SABRE Programme

What the programme covered

SABRE was designed to help SMEs in the region take practical steps towards Industry 4.0. Support was delivered through the Robotics Innovation Facility within the Bristol Robotics Laboratory at the University of the West of England, where the workspace is equipped with robots, vision systems and other items of automation.

Working with RIFBristol meant SMEs could trial technical solutions, identify the best options available, and plan capital purchases and manufacturing process improvements before committing to significant spend.

The Robotics Innovation Facility sits inside the Bristol Robotics Laboratory at the University of the West of England, and acts as a meeting point where researchers meet the people actually putting robotic technologies to work. Rather than presenting automation in the abstract, the facility gives visitors hands-on access to robots, vision systems and a range of automation equipment, so that ideas can be tested on real hardware before any investment decision is made.

The RIF team is made up of engineers, consultants and researchers with backgrounds spanning mechanical engineering, electronics and mechatronics. That breadth allows the facility to support a wide range of needs, from proof-of-concept prototypes and product development to tailored training, technical consultancy and help with overcoming specific automation challenges faced by organisations in the private and public sectors.

By connecting academic expertise with industry requirements, RIFBristol helps organisations of all sizes stand apart from their competitors and move towards advanced manufacturing practices. The facility's track record of supporting start-ups and established businesses alike makes it a practical first step for anyone exploring how robotics and automation could support their goals, whether they are beginning to investigate the technology or already have a specific challenge in mind.