Los Angeles-based robotics firm Launchpad Build establishes a new hub in Edinburgh.
- This strategic move is supported by a £2m grant from Scottish Enterprise.
- The hub aims to advance Digitool, a proprietary robotics technology.
- Scotland was chosen over five international locations for this global R&D centre.
- Scottish Enterprise and local talent were pivotal in this decision.
Launchpad Build, a renowned robotics firm from Los Angeles, has opened a new research and development hub in Edinburgh’s New Town. The hub is supported by Scottish Enterprise, which has provided a £2m grant to aid the project’s development. The site will employ a team of 24 dedicated to advancing Launchpad’s proprietary robotics technology, Digitool.
The decision to base this global R&D centre in Edinburgh came after evaluating five other international alternatives. Scotland’s supportive business environment and the quality of local talent were key factors in this decision. Jon Quick, CFO of Launchpad, stated, “We see Scotland as our gateway to the UK, Europe, and the Middle East and Northern Africa.”
Quick highlighted the potential of automation in manufacturing where there are 500 million jobs but only 1.7 million robots deployed. Historically, the costs of automation have been prohibitive; however, Launchpad’s innovative use of AI and machine learning proposes solutions at half the time and cost.
In addressing concerns about automation impacting jobs, Quick reassured that automation would address the most challenging tasks that are often undesirable, integrating seamlessly with existing processes to create immediate savings. He emphasised the need for a blend of local labour and automation to maintain competitiveness and allow job reshoring.
Adrian Gillespie, CEO of Scottish Enterprise, acknowledged that Launchpad’s choice of Edinburgh reflects the region’s strength in robotics, AI talent, and supportive infrastructure. The collaboration with local institutions aims to foster growth in technological advancements.
Scottish Business Minister Richard Lochhead praised the development as a testament to Scotland’s allure for global businesses, highlighting collaboration with the National Robotarium to bolster a robotics cluster, driven by Scotland’s esteemed research institutions.
Launchpad Build’s strategic investment in Edinburgh underscores Scotland’s role as a burgeoning hub for robotics and innovation.
