The UK Agri-Tech Centre is a proud partner of the Robotics Proving Ground, an Innovate UK initiative which serves as a catalyst for the rapid development and adoption of robotics technologies in the UK and beyond. The Robotics Proving Ground is an internationally recognised catalyst for the development and adoption of advanced robotics technologies, accelerating the journey to commercialisation.
The UK Agri-Tech Centre recently hosted an event within the Proving Ground programme at our Midlands Hub, creating an opportunity for cross-sector learning and collaboration.
World-renowned capabilities
The Robotics Proving Ground is deliberately broad, creating a strong UK-based innovation ecosystem that cuts across multiple industries. This event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our facilities, connect with innovators and demonstrate how our network supports businesses in making technology market-ready.
Agriculture, in particular, creates a complex and challenging proving ground for robotics. It is a sector defined by unpredictable weather patterns, variable terrain and complex physical conditions. It can be valuable to look at other challenging environments, such as offshore renewable energy, to learn how other sectors test and refine their own robotic solutions.
One of the most important tools in this process is simulation. By creating virtual models, developers can test their technologies in a safe, controlled environment before moving into the field. The UK Agri-Tech Centre’s farm network and test and trial facilities enable innovators to trial their products safely, to build confidence and move closer to market readiness.
Showcasing innovation
During the event, we highlighted several success stories from our Community:
- Earth Rover – based at our Midlands Hub, using our workshop spaces to test and refine their robotics.
- UPP Broccoli Harvester – another tenant at the Hub, leveraging our network and facilities to advance their pioneering harvesting technology.
- Antobot – an excellent example of how access to our network has helped refine their product, find their niche in agriculture and grow.
A collaborative audience
The event brought together a diverse audience of companies, academic partners, supply chain representatives and stakeholders from across the automation and robotics sector.
Key takeaways from the day include:
- Designing and testing autonomous technology that works alongside humans and livestock is a challenge.
- Proof of safety to build confidence among end users is critical.
The Robotics Proving Ground aims to bridge knowledge gaps and build networks to tackle these shared challenges.
What’s next?
This event was part of an ongoing series designed to grow the robotics ecosystem and strengthen collaboration across sectors.
The event also provided a great opportunity to highlight the work of the Automation and Robotics Regulatory Network (ARRNet), which is creating an organisation which will, in future, become the trusted partner of regulators, policy-makers, researchers and industry to deliver the evidence they need to create progressive regulation, industry standards and support businesses through the regulatory compliance testing and training accreditation journey.
ARRNet is hosting two events in the next few months:
- Working Robots Day on 24 September – University of Lincoln
- 5 December – Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)
The Proving Ground comprises the Satellite Applications Catapult, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, represented by the Manufacturing Technology Centre and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.
