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Autonomous Site Perimeter Patrolling using Quadrupeds

MERCELL UK Ltd

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderAmendment

26 Aug 2026 at 13:50

Tender Notice
Tender

21 Aug 2026 at 14:02

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The UK Atomic Energy Authority is procuring services to design, configure, deploy and demonstrate a proof-of-concept autonomous perimeter-patrolling solution using Spot, the quadruped robot from Boston Dynamics. The work is part of the RAICo Programme and will investigate whether robotic autonomy can improve situational awareness, support protection and monitoring, and reduce the need for routine personnel patrols. The solution will be intended for use around the UKAEA site, including critical infrastructure assets. The scope includes industrial robotics, programming, software configuration and software testing. Commercial off-the-shelf components may be used to support delivery. This is a technology demonstration and feasibility exercise rather than a requirement for routine manned security or general facilities management services.

The procurement has reached the tender stage: the buyer invited offers through an open procedure. Bids were due by 7 September 2026 at 12:00. The intended contract period runs from 29 September 2026 to 31 March 2027. The requirement is classified primarily as industrial robotics, with associated programming, software testing and software configuration services. The contract is for services and is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary, community and social enterprises. Suppliers should review the tender requirements and submission arrangements before preparing an offer, particularly the technical scope for the proof of concept and the arrangements for deployment and demonstration. The published process does not state a contract value or evaluation weighting.

This opportunity suits robotics, autonomous systems and software engineering businesses able to turn an existing quadruped platform into a working perimeter-patrolling demonstrator. Relevant capability includes configuring and programming Spot, integrating commercial off-the-shelf hardware or software, developing autonomous patrol functions, testing performance and deploying systems in an operational site environment. Suppliers should be able to demonstrate practical experience of robotics autonomy, software configuration and verification, together with the capacity to design, install and support a proof of concept through to live demonstration. Experience of situational awareness, asset monitoring, physical security or work around critical infrastructure would be directly relevant. The requirement is expressly suitable for SMEs and VCSEs, so smaller specialist firms with strong technical delivery capability may be well placed to compete.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Autonomous Site Perimeter Patrolling using Quadrupeds

Notice Description

UKAEA, under the RAICo Programme, wishes to investigate the operational benefits of autonomous robotic perimeter patrolling to improve situational awareness and reduce the need for routine personnel patrolling. The requirements relate to deployment and demonstration of a Proof of Concept for Autonomous Perimeter Patrolling using Spot from Boston Dynamics. The objective is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of robotic autonomy in supporting the protection and monitoring of UKAEA's site, including critical infrastructure assets. The purpose of this procurement is to appoint a Contractor to design, configure, deploy and demonstrate a proof-of-concept solution. The appointed Contractor may utilise commercial off-the-shelf components to support the delivery of this work.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-4be89c95-5ead-4c7c-a55f-81732a20fef4
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f612012e-d6c5-40b8-8986-f9861e57276b
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Other - Other
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

42 - Industrial machinery

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

42997300 - Industrial robots

72243000 - Programming services

72254000 - Software testing

72265000 - Software configuration services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Aug 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
7 Sep 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
29 Sep 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MERCELL UK Ltd
Additional Buyers

UK Atomic Energy Authority

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
OXFORDSHIRE
Postcode
OX14 3DB
Postcode Area
Oxford
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
South Oxfordshire
Electoral Ward
Sandford & the Wittenhams
Westminster Constituency
Didcot and Wantage

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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