Cumbria is increasingly being seen as a powerhouse of the global robotics sector thanks to world-leading capabilities developed by a group of businesses in the county.
A Cumbria Robotics Cluster strategy session, organised by the Industrial Solutions Hub, saw representatives from 25 companies meet to discuss the achievements of the group since its launch in spring last year.
They also worked to consider how the cluster will harness and expand the region’s capabilities in cutting-edge engineering and problem-solving over the coming 12 months.
Gary McKeating, managing director of iSH, which is based in Cleator Moor, said: “The aim of the session was to engage the members of the cluster on the value derived so far and to explore ideas on how it can be enhanced even further.
“Members felt that the capability of the Cumbrian collective is seen as a robotic powerhouse with the unique ability to integrate robotics solutions to address real world challenges for both national and international customers in harsh environments and regulated sectors.
“There was real passion, enthusiasm, energy and willingness to work together in the room which demonstrates the power and potential of the collaboration between cluster members which is already taking place.”
The CRC Strategy Session was held at The Beacon, in Whitehaven, on Thursday, April 3.
Among those attending were representatives from larger firms including Sellafield Ltd, Amentum, AtkinsRealis and UKNNL and SMEs such as Forth, Co-Lab Engineering, React Engineering and the Cumbria Robotics Cluster Anchor Organisation, RAICo.
The three-hour session was followed by a One-Aim sponsored Cumbria Robotics Cluster networking reception at The Beacon Museum’s viewing gallery.
Members of the international delegation who had attended a Sellafield, NDA and RAICo-hosted three-day conference with site tours were invited to attend the reception, and welcomed the opportunity to meet some of the Cumbrian companies that are leading the field of robotics.
