Cranfield University is accelerating the adoption of robotics and automation through a new dedicated robotics R&D facility created as part of a regional hub, and a partnership with Automate UK to deliver specialist training for SMEs.
New test facility as part of Milton Keynes (MK) Robotics Adoption Hub
The MK Robotics Adoption Hub has been created as part of a £40 million drive from government to establish eight hubs across the UK that will give businesses support in adopting robotics, with the aim of boosting productivity.
The MK hub will focus on using robotics in open and closed public spaces, building on the city's reputation as a pioneer of new technologies. Work will get underway to support the rollout of service robots, drones and driverless vehicles, bringing new technologies into transport, logistics and delivery services that people rely on every day. The consortium is led by Smart City MK CIC, with Cranfield University, Milton Keynes Council, Beverley Clarke Consulting, Ohmio UK, Smart City Consultancy and The Open University.
Cranfield's critical role will be in developing a new robotics training, testing and demonstration facility at its campus, open by Spring 2027, to help businesses safely develop and validate next-generation service robotics before they are used in real world environments. The robots could include humanoid robots, autonomous mobile robots and drones.
Dr Gilbert Tang, Reader in Robotics at Cranfield University, said: "Our new facility will be highly configurable and a safe test zone where companies can carry out crucial testing and development on their robots and technology demonstrators. The facility, along with Cranfield's specialist expertise, will help them build evidence of safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance before moving to public trials and commercial use.
“We want this to be a highly visible and accessible facility where people can see robots in action,” added Dr Tang. “By demonstrating these technologies in a safe environment, we can help build confidence in their use and accelerate their adoption.”
Cranfield expects to work with robotic systems at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 and above, providing validation and testing support to help them reach the maturity needed for wider deployment.
Maximising adoption through skills development
Whilst robotics technologies are advancing rapidly, some companies face challenges in identifying how to use them, adopting them effectively, and assessing the investment. Estimates show that robotics and autonomous systems could add £150 billion to the UK economy by 2035 if adoption is maximised.
Through the same funding scheme, Cranfield and Automate UK are developing two new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses designed to help UK businesses build the skills and confidence needed to adopt robotics and automation technologies effectively. The courses are aimed primarily at SMEs considering robotics and automation for the first time, or those companies looking to scale existing activity.
The two courses, Robotics and Automation Adoption Essentials; and Robotics and Automation Adoption Strategies, will be launched by Spring 2027 and interest can be registered now via Automate UK.
Dr Tang said: "Together, these initiatives will strengthen the UK's robotics ecosystem, combining cutting-edge research, industrial expertise, skills development, and practical support for technology adoption. We look forward to working with our partners to help businesses unlock the benefits of robotics and automation and to further establish Milton Keynes as a leading destination for innovation in autonomous and robotic systems."
The Robotics Adoption Programme, delivered by Innovate UK, launches with an event on 19 November at Unity Place in Milton Keynes which is will bring together businesses, robotics organisations, technology providers and trade bodies.
