---
title: "Autonomous Site Perimeter Patrolling using Quadrupeds"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-4be89c95-5ead-4c7c-a55f-81732a20fef4"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-4be89c95-5ead-4c7c-a55f-81732a20fef4"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-4be89c95-5ead-4c7c-a55f-81732a20fef4.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-4be89c95-5ead-4c7c-a55f-81732a20fef4.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "MERCELL UK Ltd"
published: "2026-08-26"
---

# Autonomous Site Perimeter Patrolling using Quadrupeds

Buyer: MERCELL UK Ltd  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-4be89c95-5ead-4c7c-a55f-81732a20fef4

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f612012e-d6c5-40b8-8986-f9861e57276b |
| 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 |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 26 Aug 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 7 Sep 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 29 Sep 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Active |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | MERCELL UK Ltd |
| Additional buyers | UK Atomic Energy Authority |
| Locality | OXFORDSHIRE |
| Postcode area | Oxford |
| Postcode | OX14 3DB |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLJ South East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire |
| ITL 3 | TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC |
| Local authority | South Oxfordshire |
| Electoral ward | Sandford & the Wittenhams |
| Westminster constituency | Didcot and Wantage |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 42997300 - Industrial robots
- 72243000 - Programming services
- 72254000 - Software testing
- 72265000 - Software configuration services

## Release History

- 26 Aug 2026 at 13:50 - TenderAmendment - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f612012e-d6c5-40b8-8986-f9861e57276b
- 21 Aug 2026 at 14:02 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f612012e-d6c5-40b8-8986-f9861e57276b

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f612012e-d6c5-40b8-8986-f9861e57276b
  26th August 2026 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder
- https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=108460&B=UKAEA
  Additional data
- https://uk.eu-supply.com/ctm/Company/CompanyInformation/Index/72814
  User / Company

## Notice URLs

- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority

## Provenance

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