GE Aviation has announced the acquisition of a leading designer and manufacturer of commercial snake-arm robots and software.

Founded in 1997 in Bristol, UK, OC Robotics' expertise will support the services arm of GE Aviation, which has a site in Bishop's Cleeve.

With a reach of more than three metres and a cumulative bend of more than 180 degrees, OC Robotics' flexible snake-arm robots are ideal for working in tight spots and can conduct various tasks, including inspections, fastening and cleaning.

OC Robotics is active in the aerospace, nuclear, petrochemical, security and construction industries throughout Europe, the United States and Asia.

GE Aviation Services vice-president and general manager Jean Lydon-Rodgers said: "OC Robotics will play an important role in how we service our customers' engines.

"This acquisition will expand our component repair development capabilities and increase the efficiency of the On Wing Support team as they perform inspections and repairs on our customers' engines."

Craig Wilson, managing director of OC Robotics, said "OC Robotics was formed with the hard work and dedication of our team along with the support of investors and the UK government.

"The acquisition will help accelerate our growth opportunities in the aviation sector and enable advanced UK technology to play a larger role on the world stage."

OC Robotics technical director Andy Graham added: "For 15 years, OC Robotics invested heavily to develop snake-arm robot technologies, and the aviation industry has always been a target area for this technology.

"This acquisition represents a significant opportunity for the OC Robotics team to deploy our technology through a world-leading organisation."

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