New online presence for West Midlands RAS
Published:
The West Midlands RAS (Robotics and Autonomous Systems) Cluster, a collaborative group founded by the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and University of Birmingham has announced the launch of the group’s new online presence.
In May 2024, the MTC and University of Birmingham founded the West Midlands RAS Cluster with the aim to raise industrial productivity and competitiveness in the West Midlands region, while creating highly skilled and well-paid employment. The cluster, which now has 18 partner organisations has also appointed Cadence Industrial & Technical Communications as its dedicated press office.
Professor Mike Wilson, chief automation officer at the MTC, says: “The launch of the new online resource marks a significant milestone in making our resources, research, and initiatives more accessible to stakeholders and the wider public. We are already facilitating greater collaboration between industry, academia, and government, all with the aim of advancing the development and deployment of robotics and autonomous systems across the West Midlands.”
RAS technologies have the power to unlock major success for UK industry. However, they require specific and purposeful investment in order to be properly utilised. The UK has 119 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees, representing the lowest robotics adoption in the G7.
Facilitating the increased adoption of robotics technology will have huge economic benefits. The global robotics technology market is expected to reach £283 billion by 2032, presenting a pivotal opportunity for the UK to capitalise on.
By creating a collaborative group, made up of leading figures within industry and academia, the West Midlands RAS Cluster aims to not only increase the adoption of RAS technologies within the area but also create a supply chain that can serve both UK and global markets.
Cadence Industrial & Technical Communications, will manage the cluster’s press office, ensuring clear, impactful communication of its initiatives, research, and success stories.
Neil Fullbrook, founder and chief executive of Cadence said: “We are honoured to work with the West Midlands RAS Cluster to amplify the incredible work being carried out in robotics and automation in the region.”
RAS remains committed to driving growth and innovation through strategic collaboration, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can benefit from the opportunities presented by robotics and autonomous systems.
The MTC
www. westmidlandscluster.org
