US robotics and AI pioneer launches Edinburgh R&D hub

Employing a team of 24, 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, whilst simplifying automation solutions to boost productivity.

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.

Launchpad CFO, 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.”