The University of Salford’s North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) has received £3.6 million from the Research England Development (RED) fund.
The funding comes from Research England, part of UKRI, and is intended to accelerate innovation and research in the world of robotics. Construction on the innovation centre began at the beginning of 2021 and it forms part of the £2.5 billion Crescent Masterplan involving the regeneration of Salford.
Dr Georgina Harris, Director of Engineering at The University of Salford said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this Research England Development funding reaffirming our reputation for knowledge and expertise in robotics and automation.
“The award will support us with the recruitment of robotics specialists, invest in specialist facilities for the centre and enable us to play a pivotal role in the technology transfer from innovative research to industrial deployment.
“The North of England Robotics Innovation Centre is a model example of collaboration. Its creation is timely, taking place when the need for innovation in robotics and automation has never been more important to support the recovery of UK industry from the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
NERIC is set for completion in summer 2022, and will engage with SMEs across the country.
The RED fund commits funding up to £27 million each year, supporting projects which aid the development of HE research and knowledge exchange activity. The NERIC is also part-supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
