A regional strategy to capture value in a cross-sector UK RAS innovation pipeline through coordinated development of assets, challenges, clusters and skills John O Gray Samia Nefti-Meziani Geoff Pegman

Northern Robotics Network Aims Bringing together an integrated regional community of entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers and end users Provide a focus for discussion of regional robotics interests with national and regional bodies of research for educational and commercial organisations To exploit the regional skills both in industry and academia together with our strong resources and R/D assets in the development of RAS technologies for the generation of new ventures, for business, jobs and wealth creation

Northern Robotics Network Aims Lobby for both regional and national action and funding to promote our activities To support the development of local skilled talent for future robotics activities through training and educational initiatives

Northern Robotics Network Immediate objectives To develop a roadmap and timeline for future activities that will promote our aims Identify a list of key people who are willing to assist in driving the initiative Decide how we can best manage the process Plan a regional structure which would foster the development of RAS activities and growth of new business and innovative manufacturing

Northern Robotics Network Achievements to date We have defined our aims and objectives and established formal links with Innovate UK RAS KTN We have defined an outline organisational and governance structure consisting of a Board and Executive Committee. The Board consists of volunteers mainly from industry, business and regional development authorities there will be an industrial Chair. The Executive Committee will provide initial administrative support and website maintenance for communication and dissemination. A set of volunteer Board members has been identified and it is hoped to establish the Board very soon

Northern Robotics Network Achievements to date Some leaflets and flyers have already been produced and a website will be active this month We plan to have a formal launch event in late May early June. Details will be on the website.

Contacts John Gray Nasreen Akhtar Website: web/northern-robotics-network