CNC Robotics, a system integrator specialising in the use of robots for machining, is one of 22 SMEs across the Liverpool City Region to receive part of the Metro Mayor’s £1.1m Future Innovation Fund. The Fund rewards businesses that have continued to innovate during the pandemic and so contribute to the area’s economic recovery.

The Future Innovation Fund will enable CNC Robotics to provide more systems to the manufacturing sector as it further expands its range. By developing an even more cost-effective product that is capable of machining a range of materials, CNC Robotics will be able to offer this solution to manufacturers across multiple industries. The company will also research whether other end effectors, including additive manufacturing printing heads, could be used to deliver a hybrid product that can both 3D print and machine.

For further information www.cncrobotics.co.uk

Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the Hydrogen Accelerator, based at the University of St Andrews, have appointed Arcola Energy and a consortium of industry-leaders in hydrogen fuel-cell integration, rail engineering and functional safety to deliver Scotland’s first hydrogen-powered train. A key objective of the project is to create opportunities for the Scottish rail supply chain through skills development and industrialisation of the technology.

Arcola Energy will develop the technology platform for the train’s new powertrain from its planned Scottish base. The company will extend its existing A-Drive platform to meet rail safety and compliance requirements, thereby enabling the consortium to significantly reduce development time and cost. Arcola Energy anticipates the delivery of its complete hydrogen-powered solution within just 10 months.

For further information
www.arcolaenergy.com

Trotec UK Live is a virtual event taking place over three days later this month (26-28 January) that will focus on all things laser. The event promises to deliver live demonstrations, hints and tips, finance options, design inspiration and more. There will be 17 sessions covering a multitude of topics, split in to morning and afternoon blocks. Registration to the event is free and participants can pick and choose relevant sessions (only one registration required). The sessions will be interactive, with the opportunity to ask questions via the live chat function.

For further information
https://is.gd/ayumur

More than 850 apprenticeships and 400 graduate roles are now available across the UK sites of BAE Systems, the highest number the company has ever recruited in a single year, despite the ongoing pandemic. Around 75% of apprenticeships and more than 50% of the graduate roles are in the north of England. “Getting people back to work and creating high-quality jobs is a national priority, so it’s more important than ever that those of us who are in a position to do so, continue our investment in the UK workforce,” says chief executive Charles Woodburn.

For further information
www.baesystems.com

Babcock International Group has placed an order for an extensive set of PEMA welding and production lines for shipbuilding at its Rosyth site in Scotland. In total, the order includes three lines: a PEMA Thin plate panel line, PEMA Micro panel line, and PEMA T-beam fabrication line. Each PEMA production line is based on modern shipbuilding technology that enables Babcock to raise its level of automation when welding deck panels and bulkheads. The lines will initially see service on the Type 31 general-purpose frigate programme.

For further information
www.pemamek.com