Robotics Adoption Programme Skills Development Competition

This funding supports UK organisations, either applying alone or in collaboration, to develop training content and materials that address skills gaps and improve the adoption, operation and maintenance of robotics across sectors.

The Robotics Adoption Programme Skills Development Competition is jointly operated by Innovate UK (IUK) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

The competition supports the creation and delivery of course content and materials to develop skills, talent and training in robotics. Its aim is to address the shortage of workers able to specify, procure, integrate, operate and maintain robotic systems.

The competition forms part of the £52 million Robotics Adoption Programme. Robotics is defined broadly and includes drones operating on land, sea and air, autonomous plant and service robots and industrial robots or automated machinery using sensors, actuators and control software. Systems that are only software based are excluded.

Funded activity may cover a range of training and education approaches, including apprenticeships and internships, upskilling and reskilling of the existing workforce, technical courses and vocational training, undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development and engagement with schools.

Projects should focus on developing practical skills and learning materials that support the adoption and use of robotics across sectors.