Northern Regional College - NI Distilleries and HE/FE Unite to Bring Cutting Edge Robotics to Local Spirits Industry

Connected delighted to attend the Showcase event in Northern Regional College Ballymena Campus - NI Distilleries and HE/FE Unite to Bring Cutting‑Edge Robotics to Local Spirits Industry

Northern Ireland’s booming craft spirits sector is set to benefit from an exciting new innovation project funded by Connected Competitive Fund, a collaborative proposal led by Queen’s University Belfast (AMIC) and Northern Regional College was awarded funding by the Connected Competitive Fund, marking a major step forward in bringing collaborative robot (cobot) technology to four of NI’s artisan gin and spirit producers: Dunluce Distillery, Basalt Distillery, Wild Atlantic Distillery, and Mourne Dew Distillery, this technology will support small distilleries to increase production, improve efficiency, and embrace the future of manufacturing.

These distilleries—known for their craft techniques and local heritage—currently rely on labour‑intensive manual bottling processes. The new project aims to transform these operations by introducing flexible, affordable robotic automation, making NI one of the first regions to explore cobot‑driven bottling solutions specifically designed for small‑batch producers.

The initiative will demonstrate how cobots can take on repetitive tasks such as washing, filling, capping and labelling bottles, allowing staff to focus on higher‑value activities. Over the next year, the partners will design, simulate, and showcase automated bottling tasks, supported by immersive virtual reality demonstrations and hands‑on testing with real equipment.

This collaborative effort not only strengthens the relationship between higher education, further education, and local industry—it also opens the door for small manufacturers to adopt cutting‑edge automation without the high costs normally associated with industrial robotics.

The project promises wide‑ranging benefits:

• Increased production capacity for local distilleries

• Improved competitiveness for NI’s food and drink sector

• New skills and knowledge for businesses and students

• A boost to regional innovation and economic resilience

With all four distilleries demonstrating strong commitment—including dedicating staff time and materials—the project represents a powerful example of how collaboration can unlock innovation for small businesses.