MTC and Uni of Birmingham establish robotics hub in West Midlands

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the University of Birmingham have launched a robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) cluster in the West Midlands that will serve as a catalyst for the region’s robotics and automation activities.

The RAS sector is already strong in the West, with expertise in local universities, the Warwick Manufacturing Group, robot suppliers (including Fanuc, Kuka, Staubli, Gudel and Schneider), major users (such as JLR and Mondelez) and systems integrators (including Expert Technologies, ADI, RNA, iRob, Cyber-Weld and Mechtech).

The cluster aims to connect suppliers, integrators, users, universities and local authorities with the two High Value Manufacturing Catapult Centres in the region, thereby boosting the adoption of RAS within UK industry.

The 2017 Made Smarter Review estimated that increased adoption of robots by UK manufacturers could be worth £184bn over ten years. It is projected that if UK automation levels matched those of the most automated countries, productivity could rise by 22.3%, allowing the UK to surpass many of its competitors.

MTC’s Chief Automation Officer, Professor Mike Wilson, said: “Creating the first UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems regional cluster will strengthen the presence of crucial technology and support growth potential. We aim to raise productivity and competitiveness in the West Midlands region, while creating highly skilled and well-paid employment.

“The work we are doing with the University of Birmingham will attract other related businesses as well as universities to engage and enthuse younger generations, supporting the deployment of RAS and raising the UK’s global rankings in robot use.”