Robotics centre established to promote technology
The UK’s Centre for Food Robotics and Automation (CenFRA) will be formally launched on May 22 in a move which it is hoped will aid the take up of automation by the food and drink sector.
The centre has relocated to modern premises at Crompton Business Park in Doncaster and the official opening by Yorkshire Forward’s executive director of business Simon Hill is the culmination of two years’ work. CenFRA initially started life at the Innovation Technology Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.
The new facility will still offer the same services and automation audits as the previous base. But the new commercial development will host flexible automation systems directly applicable to the food and drink industry, six of which will be demonstrated at the launch.
CenFRA is a ‘not for profit’ business and offers independent advice to all UK companies interested in flexible automation. Businesses located in Yorkshire and Humber, the North East, and North West can qualify for free automation audits.
Yorkshire Forward and the Northern Way - a collaboration between the north’s three Regional Development Agencies - are funding the centre. It has been developed in partnership with experts in robotics and automation from the University of Salford.
CenFRA chairman Michael Taylor said: “CenFRA is most keen to support companies with impartial advice and guidance on the wide variety of automation solutions available - some starting at less than £20,000 - and to assist them identify and quantify the significant cost benefits that can result.”
