British robotic automation company, The Robot Exchange has announced plans to open a new research and development hub in Lisburn.

The Nottingham-based firm specialises in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions, using them to automate tasks such as back office administration; resulting in increased efficiencies and cost savings as well as freeing up staff to concentrate on higher value activities.

The Lisburn facility will deliver innovation in the areas of machine learning and artificial intelligence, creating seven new jobs.

Northern Ireland was selected to house a new Robot Exchange hub due to the availability of skilled developers. Invest NI also supported the local bid for the hub.

Andy Wallace, CEO of The Robot Exchange, said: "Our RPA solution uses software robots to capture data and manipulate applications in the way a human would. They interpret, trigger responses and communicate with other software applications in order to perform a variety of repetitive tasks.

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"This R&D project will involve designing, developing and testing new ways to organise and integrate systems (architecture) for our RPA solution. We want to continue to provide an affordable and accessible route for businesses that are keen to adopt RPA to create efficiencies but are not in a position to invest heavily in skilled staff and licensing."

Welcoming the news, Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee, said: "This significant investment by what is a young company is fantastic news and will create several jobs. The fact that this specialist company has chosen Lisburn for its hub to deliver an R&D project demonstrates how highly our council area is seen in terms of investment potential. Within Lisburn Castlereagh we offer competitive rates, excellent broadband, and a highly skilled workforce.

"This new high tech business will be a great addition to our technology sector that has been thriving for years. Having such a specialist automation facility located in Lisburn will complement our planned e-SERC Centre for Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which is part of the City Deal initiative to be delivered within the next few years.

"As a Council we work closely with our business sector in promoting economic growth and attracting inward investment so we are encouraged by this latest news. I look forward to welcoming The Robot Exchange to Lisburn and wish it every success with its planned RPA Hub."

(CM/JG)