Kanishka Narayan has backed the rollout of eight Robotics Adoption Hubs across the UK, announced on 9 October with £40 million of programme support.
The AI minister highlighted the plans while visiting the HARVEST hub in Lincoln. The network will offer practical advice and demonstrations to organisations considering robotics and autonomous systems.
Applications include robotic assistance in surgery, automated fruit picking, waste sorting and service robots. The intended benefits include less invasive operations, more efficient harvesting and better use of staff time.
The hubs will help potential users assess costs, suitable technologies and practical requirements. They will also connect organisations with suppliers, specialist support and finance providers.
Partnerships bringing together universities, research institutes, councils and businesses will build on regional expertise, including projects in the South West, Milton Keynes, Yorkshire and Wales.
The announcement launches an adoption network. The claimed improvements are aims of the programme, rather than measured results already achieved by every participating service or business.
