Job Description

DTA124-23

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to work on a collaborative project between Promtek Ltd (https://promtek.com/) and Staffordshire University. Established in 1972 Promtek Ltd is has grown to specialise in Process Control and Automation, Recipe and Formulation Management Tools, Weighing and Calibration and Turn-Key System Integration. The aim of this Knowledge Transfer Partnership (https://www.ktp-uk.org/graduates/), known as \xe2\x80\x9cMicroman Cobot\xe2\x80\x9d, funded by InnovateUK is to develop an innovative robotics product, to act as a smart alternative to the human-operated hand weighing stations, commonly found in recipe-controlled processes for manufacturing products. This will lead to increasing the safety for human operators, efficiency improvements, resulting in lower operating costs for clients, and lower manufacturing environmental impact.

Working closely with PROMTEK Ltd and academics at Staffordshire University, the successful candidate will lead all aspects of the project including materials characterisation, material handling, design and prototyping of scoop (end effector), design robotic arm movement, machine learning algorithm development, systems integration, and demonstration.

The project will be based at PROMTEK Ltd in Brindley Ford, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire close to Greenway Bank Country Park. Some time will be required to work at Staffordshire University in Stoke-on-Trent to make use of the excellent prototyping facilities and some work at client sites will be expected, this role requires regular travel to remote sites that are not easily accessible via public transport. As part of the role, the successful candidate will receive a personal training and development budget.

This is an ideal opportunity to get real-world industrial experience and make a significant contribution to developing the \xe2\x80\x9cMicroman Cobot\xe2\x80\x9d.

Main Responsibilities

The main responsibilities for our KTP Associate with PROMTEK LTD will be to:

• Work as part of a collaborative team to tackle the challenges of designing and creating innovative \xe2\x80\x9cMicroman Cobot\xe2\x80\x9d, a Smart Artificial Intelligent Robotic Weighing System for Multiple Ingredients.
• Actively participate in meetings with clients to develop ideas and design instructional methodologies that support client goals and learning objectives.
• Provide technical input in team meetings and contributing to design ideas.
• Work with the management and sales team to scope project.
• Research and gain familiarity with existing company and competitor products.
• Perform Materials characterisation \xe2\x80\x93 investigate, recommend and confirm appropriate material/powder characterization properties that effect the handling of a powder.
• Scoop (end effector) Design - investigate, recommend and confirm the most appropriate scoop designs that can be used to handle varied materials with different handling characteristics.
• Robotic Arm Movement - research, design, confirm and demonstrate different combinations and speeds of movements of the robotic arm to implement scooping, transferring and the pouring actions.
• Machine Learning Algorithm Development \xe2\x80\x93 investigate and demonstrate suitable machine learning techniques that can autonomously handle different organic powders
• Installation and Setup of demonstrations as requested.
• To undertake appropriate professional development and mandatory training activities as identified or required (See Professional Development section).
• The role holder is required to minimise environmental impact in the performance of their role and to actively contribute to the delivery of the University\xe2\x80\x99s Environmental Sustainability Policy

To undertake any other reasonable duties as required.

For more in depth information, please refer to the job description and person specification.

Contact For Informal Discussion

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Alison Griffiths,

Who is Staffordshire University?

Staffordshire University is an award-winning institution with over 100 years\xe2\x80\x99 experience in delivering excellent higher education. Our main Stoke-on-Trent campus is located in the heart of the UK, with Centres of Excellence located in the towns of Stafford and Shrewsbury.

After a highly successful year in 2019, which included entering THE World University rankings for the first time, securing TEF Gold, and climbing in all the league tables, our University has constantly expanded its physical presence through new and industry-leading building developments and facilities. Looking towards our 2030 strategy, we are now transforming specific business processes to improve the student experience and integrate a wider feeling of inclusion and safety for our on-campus community.

Rewards and Benefits

In return for your dedication we have a competitive benefits package available

• Competitive incremental rates of Pay
• 32 days Annual Leave plus 11 days Bank Holiday and Discretionary days
• Excellent Pension Scheme
• Access to continued professional and personal development
• An opportunity to become part of the wider University community
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted Health & Fitness Facilities on site at the Stoke Campus
• Discounted Travel by Rail or Bus, with the option of season tickets loans

We reserve the right to close any vacancies when we are in receipt of sufficient applications. All applicants are advised to complete and submit your applications as soon as possible.

Staffordshire University