Somerset businesses will have new opportunities to see robotics in action and explore how it could improve their operations through a £9.8 million regional project involving Somerset Council.
The Council is a funded partner in the Greater Southwest Robotics Adoption Hub, which will help businesses understand, test and adopt robotics and automation to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Somerset’s contribution will focus on showcasing practical uses for robotics, particularly aerial autonomy, technology that enables drones and other aircraft to carry out tasks with reduced human intervention.
The Council will draw on the county’s iAero Innovation Centre and Southwest Future Flight Innovation Zone to help demonstrate the technology’s potential and connect businesses with expertise and support.
Led by the University of Bristol through Bristol Robotics Laboratory, the Hub brings together 23 partners from industry, education and local government. It is supported by £7.2 million of Innovate UK funding as part of the Robotics Adoption programme, alongside £2.6 million contributed by project partners.
For businesses interested in robotics, knowing where to start, which technology to choose and whether an investment will pay off can be significant barriers. The Hub will provide a single point of access to practical advice, demonstrations and specialist support to help organisations make informed decisions.
Its work will include:
• Business advice: one-to-one support to identify opportunities, develop implementation plans, build a case for investment and explore access to finance.
• Practical demonstrations: site visits, demonstrations and opportunities to test ideas, helping businesses see how robotics could work in their own operations.
• Connections and knowledge sharing: events bringing together businesses, technology suppliers and specialist advisers.
In Somerset, the project will build on existing aerospace and advanced engineering strengths, while helping demonstrate how emerging technologies could address practical challenges for industry.
Cllr Mike Rigby, Lead Member for Economic Development Planning and Assets, said:
“Somerset has a strong engineering heritage and businesses with the expertise and ambition to develop the technologies of the future.
“Being part of this partnership will help more businesses explore what robotics could mean for them, see the technology in action and get practical support to take their ideas forward.“Through iAero and the Southwest Future Flight Innovation Zone, we can showcase Somerset’s strengths in aviation innovation and help businesses discover new ways to improve productivity, build resilience and compete.”
The Hub will support a wide range of industries across the Greater Southwest, including aerospace manufacturing, food and drink production, maritime infrastructure, energy and healthcare.
The National Composites Centre (NCC) will lead the Hub’s dedicated business advisory service, helping companies assess opportunities and turn them into practical business benefits.
The Greater Southwest Robotics Adoption Hub is expected to be fully operational by January 2027, when businesses across the region will be able to access events, advice and showcases.
Find out more about Somerset’s Southwest Future Flight Innovation Zone at www.swffiz.co.uk
