The Robot Exchange, which specialises in robotic process automation (RPA), is investing in an R&D project that will deliver innovation in the areas of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Founded just over a year ago and based in Nottingham, the company is setting up an R&D hub in Lisburn to carry out the project; this will lead to the creation of seven new jobs (www.therobotexchange.com).

Andy Wallace, Robot Exchange’s CEO, said: “We chose Northern Ireland as the location for the research project because
of the availability of skilled developers and the support offered from Invest NI.

“As well as providing financial assistance, Invest NI helped us to clarify our vision.”

The aim of the R&D project is to increase customer accessibility and reduce the cost by developing new IT architecture.

The Robot Exchange uses RPA solutions to automate tasks such as back office administration, resulting in increased efficiencies and cost savings, as well as freeing up staff to concentrate on higher-value activities.

Mr Wallace continued: “Our RPA solution uses software robots to capture data and manipulate applications in the way a human would.

They interpret, trigger responses and communicate with other software applications in order to perform a variety of repetitive tasks.

This R&D project will involve designing, developing and testing new ways to organise and integrate systems (architecture) for our RPA solution.

“We want to continue to provide an affordable and accessible route for businesses that are keen to adopt RPA to create efficiencies but are not in a position to invest heavily in skilled staff and licensing.”