Cobots specialist Universal Robots is working with Smart Hub Lanarkshire – a partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, New College Lanarkshire and the University of Strathclyde – to enhance learning opportunities for students and accelerate the adoption of collaborative robots in Scotland.
The Smart Hub initiative connects educational institutions with local and national manufacturers, helping to democratise access to automation by providing free of charge access to the latest robotic technologies and expertise.
Set up through the Scottish Enterprise Advanced Manufacturing Challenge Fund, it offers a space where employers can familiarise themselves with the technology, access technical training and receive specific advice on how to best adopt automation within their own production lines.
The hub initially purchased three UR5e cobots, from Universal Robots, selecting them for their flexibility, intuitiveness and ease of use. It has since secured further funding for a UR10e model which the hub makes available for companies to trial on their own site.
This year, five companies will benefit from a two week loan of the cobot, supported with training from a technical consultant who advises on how to best incorporate the technology into the business’s operations.
Head of Lanarkshire Institute of Science and Technology Barry Skea said: “As soon as Universal Robots demonstrated the cobots we knew we wanted to put them in the hands of our students. The cobots are transformational as we look to upskill and grow the valued manufacturing workforce here in Scotland.”
Universal Robots’ country manager for the UK and Ireland Mark Gray commented: “Smart Hub Lanarkshire should be commended for its joined up strategy that is helping manufacturers of all sizes to access and reap the benefits of automation. It’s a tried and tested formula that other parts of the UK can quickly emulate as part of their own levelling-up activities.”
Cobots specialist Universal Robots is working with Smart Hub Lanarkshire – a partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, New College Lanarkshire and the University of Strathclyde – to enhance learning opportunities for students and accelerate the adoption of collaborative robots in Scotland.
The Smart Hub initiative connects educational institutions with local and national manufacturers, helping to democratise access to automation by providing free of charge access to the latest robotic technologies and expertise.
Set up through the Scottish Enterprise Advanced Manufacturing Challenge Fund, it offers a space where employers can familiarise themselves with the technology, access technical training and receive specific advice on how to best adopt automation within their own production lines.
The hub initially purchased three UR5e cobots, from Universal Robots, selecting them for their flexibility, intuitiveness and ease of use. It has since secured further funding for a UR10e model which the hub makes available for companies to trial on their own site.
This year, five companies will benefit from a two week loan of the cobot, supported with training from a technical consultant who advises on how to best incorporate the technology into the business’s operations.
Head of Lanarkshire Institute of Science and Technology Barry Skea said: “As soon as Universal Robots demonstrated the cobots we knew we wanted to put them in the hands of our students. The cobots are transformational as we look to upskill and grow the valued manufacturing workforce here in Scotland.”
Universal Robots’ country manager for the UK and Ireland Mark Gray commented: “Smart Hub Lanarkshire should be commended for its joined up strategy that is helping manufacturers of all sizes to access and reap the benefits of automation. It’s a tried and tested formula that other parts of the UK can quickly emulate as part of their own levelling-up activities.”