Smart Hub Lanarkshire is hosting a national webinar in conjunction with Business Gateway, to help manufacturers across Scotland switch on to the potential of collaborative robots (cobots).

The aim is to demonstrate how cobots can help automate manufacturing processes for SMEs. It will provide insight to moving from manual to cobot-led processes, the kinds of tasks that can be performed by cobots, the costs involved, and potential sources of funding.

This event, which takes place on 3 September at 10am, is open to manufacturing businesses across Scotland and will feature presentations from: Barry Skea - Smart Hub Lanarkshire; Mark Gray, Universal Robots; Roy & Braden Henderson, SP Automation and Robotics; and Colette McMorrow, Digital Development Loan Fund.

Smart Hub Lanarkshire is a partnership involving North Lanarkshire Council, New College Lanarkshire and the University of Strathclyde. It is one of 12 projects to be awarded a share of £15.8 million of funding from the Scottish government through the Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund.

The new hub launched virtually in April, with plans to open a robotics and automation training facility at NCL’s Motherwell Campus later this year. Business Gateway is Scotland’s national business advice service, offering free support and resources to start-ups and existing businesses.

The manufacturing sector accounts for 11% of Scotland’s economy, with around 9,655 manufacturing businesses employing 179,550 people. Furthermore, over 54% of Scotland’s international exports are from manufacturing, which is valued at £17.6 billion.

Hugh Lightbody, chief officer of Business Gateway National Unit, said: “Key to the future growth of Scotland’s manufacturing sector, is the need for SMEs to adapt, adopt and invest in new digital and automated technologies. Cobots present a real opportunity for businesses to take small-scale learning and investment steps that can ultimately help contribute to significant operating efficiencies and productivity gains.”

The upcoming webinar mirrors the interest already shown in Smart Hub Lanarkshire. Smart Hub Lanarkshire’s three digital events to date have attracted hundreds of representatives from education, local authorities, enterprise initiatives and commercial businesses from around Scotland.

Those wishing to take part in the webinar can register to attend via the website: here