Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics
OUR MISSION:
To develop intelligent automation that connects AI, robotics, and digital technologies to create smarter and more sustainable manufacturing systems.
Importance
We aim to advance the science, design, and deployment of digital, robotic, and AI-enabled technologies that transform how products are designed, manufactured, and verified. By integrating data-driven decision-making, advanced metrology, and cyber-physical systems, we seek to bridge the gap between virtual and physical environments—enabling smarter, more flexible, and sustainable manufacturing operations.
Our research drives innovation that enhances productivity, quality, and environmental performance, empowering industry to adopt Industry 5.0 principles, where human ingenuity and intelligent automation work together for social and economic good.
FUNDING PORTFOLIO:
These partnerships underpin our commitment to combining fundamental research with industrial translation, driving innovation and real-world impact across manufacturing sectors.
Recent and current funders include:
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- Department for the Economy (DfE), Northern Ireland
- Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI)
- Innovate UK (Knowledge Transfer Partnership Programme)
- Belfast Region City Deal (Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre – AMIC)
- Industry Partners: Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Renishaw, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Terex Corporation, and Kiverco Ltd.
RESEARCH FOCUS
Digital and AI-enabled Manufacturing
Using AI and digital tools to optimise manufacturing processes.
Process Simulation and Verification
Virtual testing to predict and validate manufacturing outcomes.
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Metrology enabled manufacturing
Precision measurement to improve manufacturing accuracy and quality.
Laser & additive manufacturing
Advanced fabrication using lasers and 3D printing technologies.
Machining novel materials
Developing methods to machine advanced or difficult materials.
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Robotic Automation
Automating manufacturing tasks using industrial robots.
Aerospace Fabrication and Assembly
Advanced manufacturing and assembly methods for aerospace components.
Overview
Engineering a Smarter, More Sustainable Future
Manufacturing and robotics underpin modern civilisation, powering progress in sectors ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical devices and energy. As societies demand cleaner, faster, and more efficient production, advanced manufacturing is redefining industrial practice.
Through digital twins, AI-driven analytics, and human–robot collaboration, our research enables the creation of adaptable factories capable of producing high-value products with precision and minimal waste. We combine expertise in robotics, virtual manufacturing, and metrology automation to deliver tangible economic and environmental impact — supporting a more resilient, circular, and data-connected global supply chain.
Recent Projects
These examples demonstrate how our research spans the full spectrum, from fundamental theory to industrial application, delivering measurable impact across medical, aerospace, and precision engineering sectors.
Medical Robotic System for Eye Surgery
Next-generation robotic assistance for delicate medical procedures.
Development of a precision robotic platform for ophthalmic surgery, supported by InvestNI. The project focuses on parallel robotics and advanced control systems to enable highly accurate surgical procedures, improving patient outcomes and enabling next-generation medical robotic technologies.
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Premade Digital Lean Toolkit for Manufacturing
Enhances productivity and digital capability across UK manufacturing industries.
A large-scale collaborative programme developing digital tools to support lean manufacturing transformation. The toolkit integrates digital manufacturing technologies, including discrete event simulation, robotic simulation, virtual reality, and digital work instruction systems.
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Metrology-Enabled Aerospace Assembly and Verification
Improved quality assurance and verification in high-value aerospace manufacturing.
Development of advanced metrology-based methods to improve assembly accuracy, product quality, and process verification in aerospace manufacturing. The work enables improved capability in manufacturing large complex structures such as aircraft wings and satellites.
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Rapid Verification of Machine Tools
Faster and more reliable verification of precision manufacturing systems.
Research focused on developing new measurement and verification techniques for machine tools, enabling faster validation of machine accuracy and performance within manufacturing environments.
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Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC)
Strengthens Northern Ireland’s manufacturing innovation ecosystem.
Research collaboration supporting the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies through the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre. The initiative links fundamental research with applied industrial innovation to accelerate the adoption of manufacturing R&D.
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