A technology company is teaming up with a Scandinavian firm to bring a robotics showcase to the island.

Manx Technology Group, which is based in Ballafletcher Road, Douglas, is working with Universal Robots (UR), an industrial equipments supplier in Odense, Denmark.

Apparently, Denmark is something of a hot-bed for new technology.

The Danes will be bringing their UK Cobot Automation Tour of 2019 to the island next month.

The term ’cobot’ is an abbreviation of collaborative robot. There is no standard definition of a collaborative robot but a collaborative robot is generally understood as one that is intended to work alongside and/or directly interact with humans in a shared space.

Joe Hughes, chief executive of MTG, said the event was free to and open to everyone.

He said it would be especially interesting to those working in manufacturing, aerospace, food and drink production, logistics, agriculture and technology.

Mr Hughes said: ’The age of automation is upon us. Organisations all over the world are looking towards technology to improve productivity, streamline operations and solve the challenges associated with an almost universal labour shortage.

’Although these are global issues, they are equally relevant on the Isle of Man.’

He added: ’MTG firmly believes that the Isle of Man should be at the very forefront of technology, leading in areas such as robotics, Internet of Things, blockchain and AI (artificial intelligence).

’Not only do these technologies lead to higher-paid, highly-skilled jobs - but for the Isle of Man to remain competitive, it must adopt and showcase these emergent technologies.

’A key point to stress is the time it takes from unpacking to productivity - is literally days, not months.

’To truly understand the possibilities and its application - I felt it essential that people should witness, understand and use the technology first-hand.’

The event will be held in the Cushag Suite at the Palace Hotel and Casino on Tuesday, October 8, between 9.30am and 2.30pm and will provide visitors the chance to see and engage with industry experts as well as being given the chance to programme and operate the cobots themselves.

MTG has further hand-on events planned - showcasing technologies such ats the Internet of Things and their practical application in business.