Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is providing funding for “innovation in late-stage robotics and automation to increase productivity, sustainability and resilience within manufacturing processes”.
The aim is to develop and demonstrate robotics and automation that overcome a technical barrier in manufacturing and can be used in factories. Firms are invited to bid for support for projects with total costs of between £200,000 and £4 million. Innovate has up to £6 million available. Bids must be in by April 5th.
The UK comes amid increasing concern that the UK lags behind its major competitors in the application of robots. We welcome comment from members about this competition and issues around automation and robotics.