Conveyor Networks to develop VR/AR tech with five-figure funding

Warehouse automation firm Conveyor Networks has secured five-figure funding to develop its virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) capabilities.

The Cheshire-based software business will use the £10k boost, shared with sister company imio Software Solutions, to accelerate its research and development programme with support from the University of Liverpool’s Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC).

Conveyor Networks, which moved to Sci-Tech Daresbury in 2016, has identified VR and AR as priorities for driving growth and unlocking a competitive advantage.

David Carroll, MD of Conveyor Networks, said: “One of the challenges for SMEs is to balance a healthy order book against the time and investment needed to remain competitive.

“The decision to locate at Sci-Tech Daresbury has given us access to academic research and the latest scientific and technological infrastructure.”

He added: “As a result, we are developing innovative digital engineering solutions specific to our business.”

Among the benefits of the funding is access to the VEC’s technology sandpit, a collaborative community environment featuring the latest research, technology, facilities and networks.

Andrew Borland, commercialisation manager at the Virtual Engineering Centre, said: “The VEC has been working with Conveyor Networks under the LCR 4.0 programme, a part ERDF funded project to support Liverpool City Region SMEs.

“It has been a pleasure to work with a company whose vision and drive for innovation has led them not just to develop, but to integrate AR and VR, along with other Industry 4.0 technologies in a way that presents clients with a tangible solution and compelling value proposition.”