THE Duke of Gloucester played with robots at an Abingdon technology firm.

Prince Richard, the youngest grandchild of King George V and Queen Mary, visited Oxford Technologies to present it with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The company, which employs 40 staff, is a world-leader in developing remote handling robotic systems used in hostile environments like nuclear reactors.

It leads the field by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality, simulation and robotics.

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The firm won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of international trade, for selling its robots across the world.

The Duke also formally opened the company’s new assembly integration and test facility in Eyston Way.

Managing director Alan Rolfe said: “We were delighted to welcome the Duke to our new building and to have the opportunity to discuss the importance of the UK’s presence in this vital engineering sector.

“The work we do here is very much a team effort, and our success in The Queen’s Award recognises the hard work, skill and dedication of every single person in the company.”

The Queen’s Awards to Enterprise are given only to companies or individuals who are outstanding in their field.


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