A new robotics technology test site in Northumberland has been awarded £3m in funding from the UK government’s Getting Building Fund.
The robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) test site, which is being developed by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult in Blyth, is reportedly the first of its kind in the UK and will accelerate the demonstration, testing and evaluation of new technologies.
It will also provide links with ORE Catapult’s research and operational maintenance teams and be equipped with both onshore and offshore demonstration facilities to help SMEs, universities and other technology developers to create products and bring them to market.
Matthew Hadden, deputy head of delivery at ORE Catapult, said: “As the offshore renewable sector continues to grow, some of the largest costs are carrying out inspections, maintenance and installation activities offshore. It’s expensive and potentially dangerous.
“There’s a role for robotics to play in improving these processes and a real drive within the industry to adopt this new technology over the next five to 10 years – our aim is to support and accelerate innovation in robotics here in the North East, and see it in action in UK waters.”
The investment is part of a wider fund managed by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The North East LEP region was awarded £47m through the Getting Building Fund with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership increasing the fund to £55m by releasing an additional £8m from the North East Investment Fund.
Some 17 projects put forward for the North East LEP area are expected to create more than 4,000 permanent jobs, provide more than 19,000m2 of commercial space and further strengthen the North East’s green energy sector.
Gillian Hall, chair of the North East LEP innovation board, said: “This new test site will put the North East at the centre of robotics innovation for the offshore industry, helping to develop new technologies that have the potential to be used worldwide.
“The Getting Building Fund is there to create new jobs and help the economy recover from the impact of the pandemic, and this project will brings jobs and investment to the region, helping to build a stronger, more sustainable North East.”
