UK National Composites Centre to lead business advisory service for £9.8 million Greater South West robotics adoption hub

The UK's Greater South West Robotics Adoption Hub has launched with total funding of £9.8 million. The National Composites Centre (NCC) leads a one-to-one robotics adoption advisory service for small businesses. The Bristol Robotics Laboratory leads the project through the University of Bristol, partnering with UWE Bristol and 23 other partners, with £7.2 million from Innovate UK and £2.6 million in partner co-funding. The hub is one of eight UK robotics adoption hubs and is planned to be fully operational in January 2027, covering sectors including maritime, energy, food and beverage, aerospace manufacturing, and healthcare.