Epson, a global market leader in SCARA robots and provider of automation solutions, has launched a Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Russia-wide (EMEAR) competition with three robots as prizes.

As automation continues to expand, many new and innovative applications for robots are being developed. Revolutionising industry and other sectors, they have the potential to radically improve the quality of our working lives, said a statement from the company.

Epson is placing latest technology in the hands of the future: universities, colleges and research institutions across EMEAR, in order to support the growth, development and competitiveness of industry and automation, it said.

For the contest:
•Applicants are invited to submit a proposal before December 15, for the opportunity to win up to three Epson robots to support their project;
•Applications will be judged on a set of criteria including innovation, education, skills development, unique robot usage and sustainability;
•Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their application in front of a panel of judges.

Jason Whiley, director of sales, Epson Middle East, said: “Skills and creativity are at the heart of innovation. We recognise the need to promote and support talent and skills development.”

“Millennials, who make up 50 per cent of the world’s population, will face a radically different working world to now. We know that young people have the potential, so our competition is designed to place the technology of the future in their hands,” he added.

The number of industrial robots deployed worldwide is expected to increase to around 2.6 million units by 2019, it said.

Across Central and Eastern Europe especially, robot adoption is set to grow by up to 20 per cent year-on-year over the next two years, the highest growth rate globally after China, it added.

This growth places robotics as central to the future of manufacturing, healthcare, and many other sectors. Robots can also help in training, waste reduction and reducing energy consumption. Epson is providing an opportunity for young people in EMEAR to imagine a better world with robots.

Applicants can enter the competition online through (https://www.epson.co.uk/robot-contest) from September. – TradeArabia News Service