Collaborative robots: A business opportunity

Robots are right here, right now and offer businesses the chance to transform the way they operate and compete more effectively on the world stage.

Robots have been around in heavy industry for years, assembling cars and lorries, and now they are beginning to break out into the wider world, too.

Milton Keynes is at the forefront of this next industrial and social revolution. A robotic office manager called Betty is monitoring environmental conditions at the offices of the city’s Transport Systems Catapult.

Programmed with the latest artificial intelligence software, Betty is an example of a collaborative robot, or cobot.

Two Biztech events in Milton Keynes will put the spotlight on these co-bots and how it is possible to collaborate with them, how they can be used by SMEs and what the future holds for businesses and consumers.

The presentations will look at human factors, such as the psychological effects of working with robots, and how the size and cost of robots is now much more affordable.

It is possible that teams made of humans and robots collaborating efficiently can be more productive than teams made of either humans or robots alone.

Confirmed speakers are:

• Mike Wilson of ABB Robotics

• Cranfield University Senior Research Fellow Dr Sarah Fletcher.

• Peter Williamson MD of RARUK Automation Ltd

Following the breakfast briefing on 6th October we will also be running an early evening showcase visit to ABB Robotics on 20th October in Milton Keynes. If you wish to book for both events please chose the paired ticket option