UWTSD launches Robotics Adoption Hub – South Wales to accelerate robotics adoption, productivity and skills
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is leading the Robotics Adoption Hub – South Wales, a new multi-million-pound initiative delivered as part of Innovate UK’s national Robotics Adoption Programme
Based at UWTSD’s SA1 Innovation Quarter in Swansea, the Hub will provide businesses with a physical place to access robotics technologies, specialist expertise, demonstrations and hands-on support.
Companies will be able to explore potential applications, undertake feasibility and test-before-invest activity, and work with technical specialists before committing to investment.
The Hub will support businesses across sectors including manufacturing, energy, utilities and infrastructure, while remaining open to other industries where robotics can deliver measurable benefit.
Support will include independent diagnostics and advice, practical demonstration and test-before-invest activity, specialist technical support, brokerage to appropriate technology and integration partners, workforce development and links to relevant finance and funding opportunities.
Richard Morgan, Assistant Dean of UWTSD’s Faculty of Science & Art, who is leading the initiative, said: “Rather than developing new robotics technologies, the Hub will help businesses identify where automation can add value, get hands-on with proven technologies, test and validate potential solutions, and access the right expertise before making decisions.
“Many organisations recognise the potential benefits of robotics but remain uncertain about where to begin or how to adopt effectively. By offering impartial advice and opportunities to test solutions before committing to investment, the Hub will help businesses improve productivity, quality, safety, resilience and long-term competitiveness.”
The Hub brings together an extensive consortium of robotics manufacturers, systems integrators, specialist technology companies, skills providers, finance partners and industrial demonstrators.
Together with UWTSD’s existing robotics, automation and digital manufacturing facilities in Swansea, and access to partner and demonstrator sites across the region, the Hub will give businesses access to a broad range of technologies and expertise.
The Hub will also play an important role in developing future skills. UWTSD students, apprentices and employees from participating organisations will gain hands-on experience with advanced industrial robotics through degree apprenticeships, higher education programmes, CPD and industry training.
Professor Elwen Evans KC, Vice-Chancellor of UWTSD, said: “The Robotics Adoption Hub – South Wales demonstrates the vital role universities can play in bringing together academia, industry and technology partners to address real-world challenges.
“By leading this collaboration, UWTSD is helping businesses embrace innovation with confidence while creating new opportunities for our students, apprentices and future workforce.”
Richard Morgan added: “What makes the Robotics Adoption Hub – South Wales distinctive is the strength and breadth of the partnership behind it, our partners include Avallan Ltd, Didactic Services Ltd, Majotech Partnership Ltd, Poet Systems Ltd, Promaterial Ltd, Sutro Group Ltd and Vodafone Ltd. We are also supported by Omron, Boston Dynamics, ABB and TWI Wales.
“By bringing all of this together, we have created a collaborative ecosystem which gives businesses access to the expertise, technologies and support they need at every stage of their automation journey.”
What happens next?
Businesses interested in robotics and automation will be able to engage with the Hub to discuss their needs and identify the most appropriate next steps, from early-stage diagnostics through to feasibility, test-before-invest, brokerage, workforce development and deployment support.
For further details on how businesses can engage with the Hub please contact roboticshub@uwtsd.ac.uk
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071