The University of Lincoln has been awarded £4.8 million as part of a larger £7.1 million investment to establish a national Robotics Adoption Hub. This initiative, funded by Innovate UK and part of the UKRI IS8 Advanced Manufacturing Programme, seeks to speed up the integration of robotics within agriculture and food manufacturing industries across the UK.
Selected from 74 applications nationwide, the new hub is one of only eight established across the country. It will be based at the University’s Riseholme Park Campus and will offer businesses access to advanced robotics research, testing facilities, and expert industry knowledge to facilitate the real-world application of new technologies.
The official launch was marked by a visit from The Rt Hon Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. He met with university representatives, Innovate UK, and industry partners to discuss the pivotal role of robotics in driving innovation and enhancing productivity within the UK economy.
The funding includes £500,000 dedicated to developing a specialised robot test track at Riseholme. Further investment will support specialist staff, enhance technical capabilities, and bolster industry engagement. Additionally, a £1 million Acceleration Fund will provide aid to agri-food robotics businesses throughout the UK, assisting them in overcoming specific adoption barriers.
This hub unites the University’s recognised expertise in agri-food robotics with leading industry partners. This collaboration aims to support the development, validation, and adoption of robotic technologies across the entire agri-food supply chain. Key partners include robotics developers such as Saga Robotics, Dogtooth Technologies, Dynium, and JABAS AI, alongside agri-food businesses like Cranswick plc, B-Hive Innovations, Dyson Farming Research, and British Berry Growers. Expertise from Barclays Eagle Labs, Agri-TechE, and Bishop Burton College will also contribute to addressing commercial, sector, and training challenges.
Professor Elizabeth Sklar, Director of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT) and Director of HARVEST, highlighted the state-of-the-art Test Track at Riseholme Park and industry-led Living Labs designed to facilitate development and demonstration for agri-food robotics businesses nationwide.
Professor Simon Pearson, MBE, Founding Director of LIAT and Executive Director of HARVEST, stated that the funding will advance agri-food through robotic solutions, supporting businesses in overcoming technical, commercial, regulatory, and workforce challenges.
