Magnomatics Ltd has teamed up with the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to drive productivity improvements in offshore renewable-energy generation, using smart robotics and automation.

The magnetic-gear manufacturer — a Sheffield University spin-out — (www.magnomatics.com) has won funding from the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) to help solve the challenge of robotic placement of large rotor magnets on wind turbines.

It is currently working with engineers from the Integrated Manufacturing Group at the AMRC to deliver the project.

Matt Bacon, AMRC project manager for SMEs (www.amrc.co.uk), said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for the AMRC to work witha globally recognised SME to help realise and de-risk automated processes for magnetic hub placement to facilitate the growth of wind turbine manufacture.”

The UK is a world leader in offshore wind power, with more installed capacity than any other country.

OWGP programme director Andrew Macdonald said: “This was a very competitive process, and we received a high number of quality applications, totalling almost £2 million in project costs, demonstrating the huge opportunities to maximise the economic benefits of our world-leading position in offshore wind.

"The OWGP is committed to delivering increased productivity and competitiveness that will drive increased UK content into offshore wind farms in the rapidly growing global market, as well as in the UK.”