The Council is a funded partner in the Greater Southwest Robotics Adoption Hub, a collaborative initiative designed to assist businesses in understanding, testing, and implementing robotics and automation technologies to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Somerset's specific contribution will centre on demonstrating practical applications of robotics, with a particular emphasis on aerial autonomy – technology that allows drones and other aircraft to perform tasks with minimal human oversight.
Leveraging the county's iAero Innovation Centre and the Southwest Future Flight Innovation Zone, the project aims to showcase the potential of this technology and foster connections between businesses and expert support. The Hub, led by the University of Bristol through the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, comprises 23 partners from industry, education, and local government. It is backed by £7.2 million from Innovate UK, part of the Robotics Adoption programme, with an additional £2.6 million from project partners.
Recognising that businesses often face significant barriers in identifying starting points, choosing the right technology, and assessing return on investment, the Hub will offer a centralised access point for practical advice, demonstrations, and specialist support. Services will include one-to-one business advice, practical demonstrations and testing opportunities, and networking events connecting businesses with technology suppliers and advisers.
In Somerset, the project will build upon the region's existing strengths in aerospace and advanced engineering, demonstrating how emerging technologies can address practical industrial challenges. Cllr Mike Rigby, Lead Member for Economic Development Planning and Assets, stated, “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.”
The Hub is expected to be fully operational by January 2027, supporting a wide range of industries including aerospace manufacturing, food and drink production, maritime infrastructure, energy, and healthcare across the Greater Southwest. The National Composites Centre (NCC) will lead the Hub’s dedicated business advisory service.
