"What we are creating is a new generation of autonomous systems, which are able to carry out a two-way communication with humans."

Vasconcelos said that the ability to converse with an autonomous system enables the human to quickly understand, and if necessary correct, its actions, helping to build confidence in the system.

The research is funded by a £1.1 million grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Vasconcelos said the software could be ready in less than three years, and could be used in key industry sectors including aerospace, aviation, defense and energy generation and supply.

Earlier this week, the European Commission announced the launch of a new public-privrate partnership (PPP) in the field of robotics, in order to boost the market share of European enterprises.

The market is woth some 15.5 billion per year, and its good health is "a key driver for Europe's growth and competitiveness," the Commission said in a statement.