Olympus Technologies is bringing its practical automation expertise to a new industry-led partnership helping Yorkshire manufacturers move from interest in robotics to successful deployment.
The £3.67 million Yorkshire Robotics Adoption Hub will have its central base at West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS) in Brighouse. The University of Bradford is leading the programme after securing £2.75 million in funding from Innovate UK to help manufacturers adopt robotics and automation technologies.
The 42-month programme brings together the University of Bradford, West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS), the University of Huddersfield and Olympus Technologies, alongside a wider network of manufacturers, technology partners and regional stakeholders.
For Olympus, the partnership reflects its commitment to helping businesses understand where automation can make a difference and how to introduce it successfully.
Turning interest into practical action
Exploring automation can raise as many questions as it answers. Businesses need to understand whether a process is suitable, what investment is required, how a solution will fit into existing operations and how their teams will work with it.
The Yorkshire Robotics Adoption Hub will help businesses move from initial interest through feasibility, business case development and supplier selection to full deployment. The programme aims to engage more than 300 manufacturers, deliver 80 feasibility studies and support at least 30 robotics deployments.
Adam Swallow, Managing Director of Olympus Technologies, said:
“We are passionate about supporting SMEs’ aspirations to grow their businesses through robotic automation. This Hub provides a step change in our ability to get alongside businesses, address their concerns, and increase the number of businesses adopting automation.”
Making automation work for the business and its people
For Olympus, the starting point is understanding the challenge a business needs to solve. That might be a production bottleneck, inconsistent quality, material waste or a repetitive task that prevents people from applying their skills elsewhere.
The team works with customers to assess what is practical, define the requirements and, where needed, test an application before committing to a full solution. Training and ongoing support help customers build confidence in operating, maintaining and developing their systems.
Cultural adoption is equally important. Involving operators, engineers and managers early brings valuable knowledge into the project and gives people the opportunity to understand how their work may change. The aim is to introduce automation that the team can use confidently and that delivers lasting value.
Why this matters now
The gap between interest in robotics and successful deployment shows why access to technology alone is not enough. Businesses also need time, expertise and confidence to assess their options and make an informed investment.
The Hub creates a more structured route through those decisions. By bringing practical industry experience together with academic expertise and business support, it aims to help manufacturers establish what is feasible, build a credible business case and prepare for implementation.
For Olympus, the partnership is an opportunity to bring that practical approach to more Yorkshire businesses, helping them move from “could automation work for us?” towards a clear understanding of what to do next.
A partnership grounded in industry needs
The project combines academic expertise in robotics, AI, digital twins, machine vision and advanced manufacturing with practical industrial experience.
Major manufacturers including Myton Food Group and Groupe Atlantic will provide live use cases, access to supply chains of over 300 regional suppliers, and routes to scale adoption.
Delivery follows a stage-gated model, progressing SMEs from engagement through feasibility to deployment, supported by demonstrators, ROI modelling and hands-on technical input.
Professor Ben Whiteside, Principal Investigator, Director of the Institute of Digital and Sustainable Futures at the University of Bradford, said:
“Yorkshire has one of the strongest manufacturing bases in the country, yet too many businesses still struggle to move from interest in robotics to successful deployment.
“The challenge isn't that companies don't want to automate. The challenge is that many lack the time, expertise or confidence to take the next step.
“This Hub brings together universities, manufacturers, technology providers and business support organisations to bridge that gap. By helping businesses adopt proven technologies, we can improve productivity, strengthen supply chains and support long-term economic growth across the region.
“Importantly, our ambition extends beyond Yorkshire. We want to create a model that can be replicated elsewhere, helping manufacturers across the UK benefit from robotics, automation and digital technologies.”
Supporting businesses across Yorkshire
The Hub will operate across Yorkshire, focused on the M62 and M1/A1 industrial corridors. A central base at WYMS will be complemented by a distributed network of demonstrators and ‘lighthouse sites’.
The consortium is supported by regional and national stakeholders, including West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber.
Olympus will share further information about the programme and opportunities for businesses to get involved as delivery develops.
If you’re exploring automation and would like to discuss a production challenge, contact the Olympus Technologies team.
