Smart Hub Lanarkshire offers small businesses insight into robotics and automation

A series of online events during the summer and autumn will offer small businesses insight into how they could make use of robotics and automation.

Smart Hub Lanarkshire has announced a programme of free online events to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in different sectors explore the benefits of robotic technologies.

The programme begins on 28 July with an online event looking at the use of cobots – collaborative robots – in the food and drink sector.

Aimed at small food and drink businesses who are considering introducing automation, the event will be delivered by experts in the field of robotics, who will answer questions and help attendees make informed investment decisions.

They will also discuss the support that is available.

This will be followed by a similar event on 25 August , also looking at cobots, aimed at the life sciences sector, followed by a third event on 24 September for engineering and fabrication businesses.

Smart Hub Lanarkshire a newly opened centre dedicated to helping SMEs in the manufacturing sector grow and prepare for the future.

Run as a partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, New College Lanarkshire and the University of Strathclyde, it is home to a robotics and automation training facility and is a space for SMEs to access academic expertise and business support.

The hub opened virtually in April and aims to physically open its doors at New College Lanarkshire’s Motherwell campus later this year.

It was one of 12 projects to be awarded a share of £15.8m of funding from the Scottish Government through the Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund.

Professor Christopher Moore, principal at New College Lanarkshire, said: “If you are considering introducing automated processes to your factory, and would welcome impartial industry insight and expertise to guide you, then these events will be invaluable.

“As well as answers to technical questions, the panel will also be able to help you with queries about funding and finances.”

Councillor Allan Graham, convener of the Enterprise and Growth Committee at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The events offer an excellent opportunity for local manufacturing SMEs to learn about the benefits of new robotics technologies.

“As we start to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Smart Hub Lanarkshire will provide support for manufacturing businesses to help them use these innovative technologies to develop and grow for the future.”