LG Motion has been selected as one of 15 business partners in the new Greater South West Robotics Adoption Hub.
The Hub is a 23-member consortium of industry, academic and local government organisations that will help businesses across the region use robotics and automation to improve productivity, resilience and growth.
Led by Bristol Robotics Laboratory (a partnership between the University of Bristol and UWE Bristol) in collaboration with the National Composites Centre (NCC), the £9.8 million Hub is backed by £7.2 million from Innovate UK’s Robotics Adoption programme, with the remaining £2.6 million contributed by partners. The consortium was one of only eight funded nationally, from 76 applications to Innovate UK.
The Hub will give suppliers, adopters and service providers a single point of access to expertise, advice, technology and support. Its work will span the region’s industries, from maritime infrastructure in Devon and energy assets around the Solent to food and drink producers in Cornwall and Gloucestershire, aerospace manufacturing in Somerset and healthcare providers in Bristol.
Recognising that successful adoption depends on people as much as technology, the Hub will run three linked programmes:
- Advisory service: one-to-one support helping businesses identify opportunities, plan implementation and access finance.
- Showcase programme: site visits, demonstration facilities and proof-of-concept projects so organisations can see robotics in action.
- Ecosystem programme: events, networking and knowledge-sharing connecting adopters, technology suppliers and specialist support organisations.
The Hub is expected to be fully operational by January 2027, when any business in the region will be able to access its events, advice and showcases.
LG Motion Managing Director Gary Livingstone said:
“The UK has some of the finest engineering talent and robotics technology in the world, yet we continue to fall behind when it comes to putting that technology to work. The challenge isn’t a lack of innovation. It’s giving businesses the confidence, knowledge and practical support to take that first step.
“We’re immensely proud to have been selected as a partner in the Greater South West Robotics Adoption Hub. It’s an opportunity to turn ambition into action, helping manufacturers adopt affordable, achievable automation that delivers measurable results.
“Having spent over 35 years in engineering and manufacturing, I’ve always believed technology should serve people and business, not the other way around. That’s the philosophy behind my book, Lean Robotic Automation. Working alongside universities, industry partners and Innovate UK, we have a genuine opportunity to make a lasting difference to British manufacturing.
“Success won’t be measured by how many robots we talk about, but by how many we help businesses put to work.”
