Project
GAMMA Project
GAMMA is a technology and next generation supply chain development programme led by the North West Aerospace Alliance.
What is it about?
Autonomous systems are technology-based solutions for replacing humans in tasks that are mundane, dangerous and dirty, or detailed and precise across sectors including aerospace, nuclear, automotive and petrochemicals. Growing Autonomous Mission Management Applications (GAMMA) was a three year £9.1 million, autonomous systems programme which aimed to drive SME engagement and develop technology within the emerging autonomous systems markets.
The programme primarily concentrated on the end users of autonomous systems and put both the North West and rest of the UK in a strong position to capitalise on the developing market. The project built on existing academic and manufacturing competencies to create a competitive sub-national capability in autonomous systems.
GAMMA focussed on the three key areas below: • Job creation in SMEs • Technology development and business growth • Development of a future generation supply chain
Why is it important?
Through collaboration, the GAMMA project delivered sustainable economic growth and high value employment within manufacturing and science prioritised sectors by developing autonomous systems technologies for commercial applications in a partnership between businesses and academia.
GAMMA opened up opportunities for SMEs to market their technologies in a new and emerging sector that is otherwise very difficult to access. This new market provided a sustainable business for SMEs in software upgrades, maintenance and sensing technology and create revenue for them through licensing agreements.
Perspectives
GAMMA engaged with SMEs in the autonomous systems supply chain by offering them mentoring and technology development support to enter the market and exploit new technology platforms primarily with existing technologies. These new technologies were then developed in collaboration with lead partners to support autonomous systems.
Lynn
Dwyer
University of Liverpool
