Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Smart Hub offering free summer online SME events
Smart Hub Lanarkshire – a state-of-theart new centre that will help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES) in the manufacturing sector to grow and prepare for the future – has announced a programme of free summer online events to help SMES learn about the benefits of robotic technologies.
The hub, which is a partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, New College Lanarkshire and the University of Strathclyde, is home to a robotics and automation training facility and a dedicated space for SMES to meet, learn and access business support and academic expertise.
It “virtually” launched in April and aims to physically open its doors at the college’s Motherwell campus later this year, subject to Covid restrictions.
The hub is one of 12 projects to be awarded a share of £15.8 million of funding from the Scottish Government through the Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund.
The overall aim of the fund is to advance the manufacturing capabilities of Scottish SMES and lead to long-term transformational change.
The summer programme of events kicks off today with an online event that explores the use of collaborative robots (known as Cobots) in the food and drink sector.
Aimed at food and drink SMES who are considering introducing automation, the event will be delivered by industry professionals in the field of robotics, who will answer questions and help attendees make informed investment decisions.
Delegates will also get an insight into business support services available to them.
And, on August 25, businesses in the life sciences sector can benefit from a similar event which will introduce them to the benefits of Cobot technology, while September 24 will see the turn of engineering and fabrication businesses.
Professor Christopher Moore, New College Lanarkshire principal, told the Advertiser: “If you are considering introducing automated processes to your factory, and would welcome impartial industry insight and expertise to guide you, then these events will be invaluable.
“As well as answers to technical questions, the panel will also be able to help you with queries about funding and finances.”
Councillor Allan Graham, convener of the enterprise and growth committee at North Lanarkshire Council, added: “The events offer an excellent opportunity for local manufacturing SMES to learn about the benefits of new robotics technologies.
“As we start to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Smart Hub Lanarkshire will provide support for manufacturing businesses to help them use these innovative technologies to develop and grow for the future.”
For further information on Smart Hub Lanarkshire and the summer events being held, visit https:// www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/business/smart-hublanarkshire