UK announces extra funding for robotics and driverless cars

The UK government has announced extra funding for technologies including robotics and driverless cars as part of the 2017 budget. Chancellor Philip Hammond announced plans to "enhance the UK's position as a world leader in science and innovation" by allocating £270 million to support research into "biotech, robotic systems and driverless vehicles". Driverless vehicle trials have already begun in several locations around the UK, including Milton Keynes and Greenwich in London. Hammond also confirmed that £16 million will be used to create a hub for running trials into 5G connectivity, while £200 million will be invested to fund local projects testing ways of accelerating the rollout of full fibre broadband across the UK. Analysts say the projected funds may struggle to have a long-term impact.