Robotics and Drives launches state of the art solutions and training centre in Mullingar

PRESS RELEASE

16.1.2020, Mullingar, Westmeath, Ireland

Robotics and Drives, the Midlands-based Technology and Automation company have opened a new Solutions and Training Centre in Mullingar. Robotics and Drives was founded in 2005 by directors Ken McNevin, Stephen Nolan and Sharon McNevin in Mullingar in response to the growing need for Robotics and Automation for manufacturing in Ireland. Robotics and Drives are currently the largest robotics solutions provider in Ireland and is still privately owned.

Peter Burke, TD, Cathoirleach Paddy Hill, Ken McNevin, Sharon McNevin, Stephen Nolan, Robotics and Drives

This new location for Robotics and Drives will be the largest in the UK and Ireland and the first of its type in Ireland, there will be a fully dedicated state of the art robotics solutions creation centre. Robotics and Drives have invested in a custom 40000 square feet facility in Mullingar as well as an integrated Robotics training centre on the same campus.

Research and development are a major part of the new facility in Mullingar. This will see many more engineers from across all commercial sectors in Ireland coming to the centre to train and research with the cutting edge technology Robotics and Drives offers to clients. There are currently 35 people, mainly highly skilled robotic engineers, employed by Robotics and Drives based out of Mullingar but servicing robots all across Europe. The number is expected to double in the next number of years.

Unfortunately, Tanaiste Simon Coveney was unable to attend due to the start of the general election however he joined the event virtually using a video link. Welcoming the assembly Ken Mc Nevin, Managing Director of Robotics and Drives said, “We at Robotics and Drives are delighted to take the next step in growing our team and moving into this larger premises incorporating our new Cobotics, Robotics and Solutions training centre in Mullingar. It is the culmination of 15 years of work by our dedicated engineers and team, working with industry-leading clients and world-class partners.

“We are excited to be a part of this new era of growth for Robotics and Cobotics in Ireland and from Ireland, leading the way globally,” said Mc Nevin.

Officiating in place of An Tanaiste was Peter Burke, TD at the opening, “It is hugely exciting to see companies like Robotics and Drives launch the largest robotics training and solutions centre in Ireland here on our doorstep in Mullingar. It is the culmination of 15 years of hard graft , driven by the courage and belief of the directors. This facility will drive Irish manufacturing and cutting edge technology across Europe and globally and it gives me untold pleasure to officate at the opening”.

From the new state of the art solutions facility in Mullingar, Co Westmeath robots using Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligent, and other cutting edge technologies are created and sent to manufacturing plants globally.

Tom Kelly, Divisional Manager, Innovation & Competitiveness, Enterprise Ireland said “Robotic and Drive Services is a great example of an Irish company, connecting successfully on a global scale. I would like to congratulate them on their expansion and commend the global ambition of this indigenous company to compete at the highest level, supplying to some of the world’s largest MNC’s. Through its commitment and investment in innovation, the company is successfully positioning itself to become a global leader in automation solutions. Today’s announcement is very welcome news for the midlands region and Enterprise Ireland looks forward to continuing to work with the company in the future.”

Tom Kelly, Enterprise Ireland, Sharon McNevin, Robotics and Drives, Peter Burke TD, at the opening of Robotics and Drives

Also speaking at the launch, Paul Healy, Chief Executive Skillnet Ireland said, “Cobotics and Robotics are set to play an increasingly important role in the economy across many sectors of industry. If we are to bridge the gap between where the workforce is now and where it needs to be, developing the right skills to work alongside robotics and automated technology in factories and other manufacturing environments in critical. The Cobotics Skillnet National Training programme and network provides a destination for industry to come together for the first time, helping to ensure that Ireland and Irish industry can gain a competitive edge in this innovative space.”

Skillnet Ireland awarded funding to establish a new Cobotics Skillnet in 2018. The Cobotics Skillnet was formed to bridge the technical skills gap between cobotics (collaborative robotics) and human capabilities in cobotic manufacturing systems. The network offers innovative workforce development solutions to enterprises in robotics and cobotics designed to support the international competitiveness of Irish businesses. The Network will service industries that provide an economic impact of scale, namely; Fintech, Logistics, Healthcare, Retail and Manufacturing.

Paul Healy, CEO Skillnet Ireland, and Peter Burke TD

Robotics and Drives focuses on making factories highly efficient with the implementation of custom robotic solutions. The new facility at Robotics and Drives Training Centre will have 10 training cells, with both standard industrial robots and Cobots (Collaborative Robots) – this will be used to train and educate clients and customers in the use of robotics and give them the knowledge to implement robotics – this area was developed as a direct response to needs within industry.

Robotic technology is growing exponentially and Robotics and Drives company is poised on the very cutting edge of development developing robotic solutions for manufacturing and industrial clients globally. Robotics and Drives is a partner for ABB Robotics, Interroll and are introducing Agilox, intelligent guided vehicles into the UK and Ireland market for the first time in 2020.
The Agilox vehicle uses artificial intelligence and state of the art Cobotic technology to provide commercial customers with organisational, shipping and palletising functions freeing up workers for more strategic work and increasing efficiency multiple times.

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About Robotics And Drives :
Robotics and Drives was founded in 2005 by directors Ken McNevin, Stephen Nolan and Sharon McNevin in Mullingar in response to the growing need for Robotics and Automation for manufacturing in Ireland. Robotics and Drives are currently the largest robotics solutions provider in Ireland and is still privately owned. There are currently 35 people, mainly highly skilled robotic engineers, employed by Robotics and Drives.