Welsh technology reaches new heights

A North Wales technology firm has helped global climate research reach new heights, with a chance encounter leading to a landmark expedition on Mount Everest.

Robertson Geo, based in Conwy, supported a scientific mission to the Khumbu Glacier, led by Aberystwyth University’s Centre for Glaciology, in a collaboration that began with a chance meeting between Professor Bryn Hubbard and the company’s team on a train more than 20 years ago.

That introduction – along with an unexpected introduction from a magazine – sparked a long-term partnership which has since supported glaciology research across the Arctic, Antarctic, Andes and Himalayas.

Professor Hubbard, the associate dean for research, faculty of earth and life sciences at Aberystwyth University, said: “I was travelling back to Aberystwyth, picked up a magazine and it introduced me to Robertson Geo and its televiewer.

“I had no idea this technology even existed.

“It really changed everything.

“The televiewer enabled us to see inside glaciers in unprecedented detail. 

“Robertson Geo has played a huge part in that journey.”

The latest expedition saw researchers deploy Robertson Geo’s specialist televiewer system at 6660 metres above sea level, capturing high-resolution borehole images alongside core samples and environmental data.

Operating in temperatures below -25°C and with significantly reduced oxygen levels, the equipment required no modification, enabling reliable performance in extreme conditions.

Early findings are already reshaping scientific understanding, revealing unexpected temperature patterns and evidence of melting and refreezing within glacier structures.

With Himalayan glaciers critical to global water supply and under increasing pressure from climate change, the firm’s technology is helping scientists better understand future risks.

Dr Matthew Peacey, post-doctoral research associate in Himalayan field glaciology at Aberystwyth University, who took part in the expedition, added: “When you're working at that altitude, every piece of kit has to work first time. 
“Robertson Geo's technology did exactly that - reliably, in some of the most hostile conditions on Earth.”

Further expeditions are planned as the partnership continues to support research at the forefront of environmental science.

Simon Garantini, managing director of Robertson Geo, added: “We've built a strong partnership with Professor Hubbard's team over many years. 

“Seeing our technology perform at the extremes – and contribute to critical climate science – is incredibly rewarding.”

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