Mark Woods

Board-Level Deep Tech & AI Technologist & Strategist | 20+ Years Building Real-World AI, Robotics & Autonomous Systems | Advisor to Industry & Government

Bristol, England, United Kingdom

About

I’m a deep tech innovator, Executive Director, relationship builder and technical strategist working at the intersection of AI, robotics, and autonomy focused on creating new and better futures through applied innovation. For over two decades, I’ve built intelligent systems that operate in the most demanding environments from deep industrial contexts to planetary exploration. I played a leading role in the European Space Agency’s first robotic rover mission to Mars (ExoMars)/Aurora Prog for intelligent system aspects such as VisLoc and have since led multiple first-of-a-kind breakthroughs in autonomous systems and applied AI, resulting in patents, publications, and technology firsts. My work bridges the space between vision and delivery - turning ideas into operational systems (TRL 2–9) under real-world constraints. I’m motivated by innovation that expands what’s possible, that opens opportunities up rather than narrowing it. I thrive where imagination meets rigour: where AI, engineering, and design intersect to solve complex human and industrial challenges. My approach combines deep technical understanding with step-back foresight, creativity, and the ability to connect people and ideas across disciplines. I collaborate with many organisations and government bodies to develop and deploy on AI, robotics and autonomy responsibly and strategically. I share my insight with investors and scale up’s. My partners and clients have included the European Space Agency, BP, NVIDIA, NASA JPL, Bank of England, Schlumberger, Network Rail, Sellafield, Department for Science and Technology, and Thames Water. As Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer at CFMS Ltd, I lead business strategy and innovation vision, establishing a new AI, autonomy and robotics capability while shaping the UK’s deep-tech ecosystem. I also serve on the UK Space Agency’s Space Exploration Advisory Committee, the UN EAGGLE Group, and several industry and postgraduate boards. My technical grounding is matched by recognised thought leadership. I’ve authored peer-reviewed papers, served as Guest Editor for the Journal of Field Robotics (special issue on space robotics), supervised Industrial PhDs, and hold several patents. I contribute to the wider dialogue through appearances on BBC News, Channel 4, BBC Radio, New Scientist, and international outlets. I believe in innovation as a force for flourishing, for people, organisations, and society. If you’re building bold, deep-tech ventures in AI, robotics, or autonomy, or investing in those shaping the next frontier, I’d love to connect.

Experience

  • CFMS (Bristol, England, United Kingdom)
    • Chief Strategy Officer
      Sep 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 10 mos

      Chief Strategy Officer and Head of a new group focusing on Robotics, Autonomy, AI and Computer Vision for applied innovation and deployments in domains such as Space, Aerospace and other harsh environments or high value engineering.

    • Executive Director
      Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    • Head of Autonomy and Robotics Group
      Sep 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 10 mos

  • Head of Autonomy and Robotics Group at SciSys
    Jun 2010 - Sep 2022 · 12 yrs 4 mos

  • Various Consultancy, Management and Software Development Roles in Autonomous Systems and Robotics at SciSys
    Jan 1999 - Jan 2010 · 11 yrs 1 mo

  • Ph.D. Research Assistant at University of Dundee/NCR
    1995 - 1999 · 4 yrs

    Developed a patented technique for automatic assessment of cash condition for AT&T NCR Corp at Ph.D. level. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2002/0043560.html

  • Research Associate at AT&T
    Sep 1993 - Mar 1995 · 1 yr 7 mos