US robotics and AI pioneer opens research base in Scotland

Employing a team of 24 in the New Town in Edinburgh, the new R&D hub will drive the development of Launchpad’s proprietary advanced robotics technology, Digitool, which aims to transform global manufacturing by reducing production costs and time to market.

Launchpad’s leadership chose Scotland ahead of five international alternatives following engagement with Scottish Enterprise’s Silicon Valley based team (part of its international arm Scottish Development International). The company has also been awarded a £2m Scottish Enterprise R&D grant towards the project.

(l-r) Scottish Enterprise chief executive Adrian Gillespie, Launchpad Build chief financial officer Jon Quick and UK head of software Tim Chamberlain (Image: Scottish Enterprise) Launchpad chief financial officer, Jon Quick, said: “We see Scotland as our gateway to the UK, Europe and Middle East/Northern Africa. We’ve been hugely impressed by the quality of local talent, so much so that we’re exploring multiple ways to increase the scope and size of our Scottish operations and accelerating plans to bring the Digitool overseas.

“There are 500 million manufacturing and assembly jobs globally, but only 1.7 million robots doing them, which presents a huge opportunity. Historically the upfront costs associated with automation have been prohibitive for many, but we can deliver in half the time and at half the cost through the use of AI and machine learning.

“Instead of automation being a multi-million-dollar career defining decision it can now be a case of identifying the biggest problem in your factory – the job nobody wants to do – and automating it in a way that that seamlessly fits with your existing processes, creating savings from day one. As we look to the future more and more companies will need a blend of local labour and automation to remain competitive. That is the ‘secret sauce’ which will allow Scotland and others to reshore jobs from overseas.”

Adrian Gillespie, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to welcome Launchpad to Scotland. The fact that such an innovative company chose Edinburgh for its global R&D hub is a ringing endorsement of Scotland’s robotics and AI talent, our supportive business environment and world-class universities. We look forward to working with the Launchpad team to support their continued growth here.”

Scottish Government business minister, Richard Lochhead, said: “New technology is key to unlocking huge economic potential and we are committed to supporting innovative companies in expanding sectors.

“Launchpad’s decision to open its new global R&D hub in Edinburgh shows Scotland’s attractiveness to global businesses, proving the nation has the skills and expertise to serve as a hub for innovation.

“This further enhances our ambition to be at the forefront of robotics development and testing. We’ve been working in partnership with the National Robotarium to develop a robotics cluster in this field, utilising Scotland’s globally renowned research institutions to accelerate growth and technological advancement.”

'Political risk' cited as Scots housing market shows 'alarming' lack of progress

Scotland’s build-to-rent market is showing an “alarming” lack of progress, a prominent property firm has said.

In its latest report on the BTR sector, Rettie says that around 14,000 new homes in the pre-planning or planning stage in Scotland are at risk of not being delivered. So far just under 4,500 BTR homes have been built in Scotland, including Moda Living’s 433-unit Holland Park development in Glasgow which was completed this year.

Sections of the commercial property sector have regularly warned the Scottish Government’s approach to rent controls is putting investors off investing in build-to-rent projects in Scotland at a time when Scotland faces an acute shortage of homes.

Scottish Conservative leader calls for 100 per cent rates relief for pubs and restaurants

 The Scottish Conservative leader has called for pubs and restaurants to be given 100% rates relief when the Scottish Budget is introduced next month.

The plan suggested by the party would mean pubs and restaurants would pay no business rates at all next year.

On a visit to a Glasgow deli and restaurant this morning, Russell Findlay will say it is part of a “common sense approach” that would “help a sector struggling more than ever after Labour’s tax-grabbing budget”.

The Scottish Conservatives say the call is part of a plan to support business and "undo the damage of SNP tax rises".