The University of Bradford is leading a £3.67 million Yorkshire Robotics Adoption Hub, backed by £2.75 million from Innovate UK. The 42-month initiative targets over 300 manufacturers, delivers 80 feasibility studies, and supports at least 30 robotics deployments. With the UK operating just 104 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees — far below the global average of 177 — the Hub bridges the gap between intent and implementation. Key partners include West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services, the University of Huddersfield, Olympus Technologies, Myton Food Group, and Groupe Atlantic.
According to Robotics & Automation News, the University of Bradford is leading a £3.67 million Yorkshire Robotics Adoption Hub after securing £2.75 million in grant funding from Innovate UK to accelerate robotics and automation adoption among UK manufacturers.
Vital role in closing the adoption gap
The 42-month programme addresses a critical barrier in UK industry: while 73% of manufacturing SMEs express intent to invest in automation, few advance to implementation. The UK operates only 104 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees — well below the global average of 177. The Hub aims to guide businesses through feasibility analysis, business case development, supplier selection and full deployment — targeting engagement with more than 300 manufacturers, delivery of 80 feasibility studies and support for at least 30 robotics deployments.
Professor Ben Whiteside, Principal Investigator and Director of the Institute of Digital and Sustainable Futures at the University of Bradford, said:
“Yorkshire has one of the strongest manufacturing bases in the country, yet too many businesses still struggle to move from interest in robotics to successful deployment. The challenge isn’t that companies don’t want to automate. The challenge is that many lack the time, expertise or confidence to take the next step.” — Professor Ben Whiteside, Principal Investigator, University of Bradford
Professor Sherif El-Khamisy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Global Engagement at the University of Bradford, added:
“Universities play a vital role in translating innovation into economic impact. This Hub is a powerful example of how research expertise, industry knowledge and regional collaboration can come together to solve real-world challenges, helping businesses grow, improving productivity and supporting the industries of the future.” — Professor Sherif El-Khamisy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Global Engagement, University of Bradford
How will it work?
The Hub is grounded in live industrial demand, with major manufacturers including Myton Food Group and Groupe Atlantic providing real-world use cases and access to supply chains of over 300 regional suppliers. Delivery follows a stage-gated model — progressing SMEs from initial engagement through feasibility to full deployment — supported by demonstrators, ROI modelling and hands-on technical input. A central base at West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) is complemented by a distributed network of demonstrators and ‘lighthouse sites’ across Yorkshire’s M62 and M1/A1 industrial corridors.
Professor Andrew Longstaff, research director at the University of Huddersfield’s Centre for Precision Technologies and Hub lead for the university, stated:
“Yorkshire’s manufacturers have enormous potential to benefit from robotics and automation, but many need support to identify the right technologies and implement them successfully. By accelerating the uptake of proven robotics and automation technologies, we can strengthen productivity, resilience, and competitiveness across the region.” — Professor Andrew Longstaff, Research Director, University of Huddersfield
Adam Swallow, managing director of Olympus Technologies, a key consortium partner, emphasized the SME focus:
“We are passionate about supporting SMEs’ aspirations to grow their businesses through robotic automation. This Hub provides a step change in our ability to get alongside businesses, address their concerns, and increase the number of businesses adopting automation.” — Adam Swallow, Managing Director, Olympus Technologies
Source: Robotics & Automation News
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
