NMITE has launched an eight-week online Introduction to Robotic Operating Systems course for local businesses interested in robotics and autonomous systems.
Led by Professor Alexandru Stancu, who also heads NMITE’s MEng Autonomous Robotics degree programme, the course will run in two-hour online sessions. It is aimed at businesses in defence, manufacturing and commercial robotics.
Participants will be introduced to ROS2, a robotics software framework, and will learn how to use it to solve practical problems in robotics.
The launch builds on NMITE’s professional training work in Herefordshire. Since 2020, it estimates it has delivered 9,000 hours of professional development and training to at least 350 local people through continuing professional development programmes and short courses.
This sits alongside the institution’s wider higher education offer. NMITE says its MEng Autonomous Robotics degree is already attracting applications, while its broader engineering model combines technical disciplines with workplace skills.
Professor Stancu said the course was intended to support companies working across different parts of the robotics market.
He said: “We believe there are lots of companies locally that will find this incredibly useful in developing their capabilities across both defence and commercial sectors. I’m very much looking forward to helping build the autonomous robotics ecosystem in Herefordshire and already have a follow-up module in development to advance these skills even further.”
Wider training
NMITE has expanded its short-course portfolio beyond robotics. Through its Centre for Advanced Timber Technology, it offers training focused on construction methods and climate-related building practices, including the Low-Carbon Passport accreditation delivered on behalf of BE-ST.
Its Centre for Innovation and Future Skills runs courses designed to help people upskill and reskill. These include a leadership series covering subjects such as Leading Change, Influence and Emotional Intelligence, and Inclusive Leadership and Psychological Safety.
The institution also offers military transition courses and bespoke programmes for employers. Another course in its line-up is Manufacturing and Systems Optimisation, developed in consultation with industry and part-funded by Malvern Hills District Council.
Sam Lewis, Director of People and Operations at NMITE, said the robotics course strengthened an established training offer.
Lewis said: “It’s great to have a new, cutting-edge course to offer. This builds on our courses, bespoke programmes and CPD training, which are helping improve the skills of people local to NMITE. Along with our military transition courses, we are helping enhance and develop individual and leadership skills within Herefordshire businesses, SMEs and third sector organisations.”
To date, NMITE says it has more than 220 students enrolled and has delivered more than 90 modules across its curriculum. The institution has 60 staff and works with more than 80 industry partners across a range of sectors.
Looking ahead, NMITE plans to expand its industrial partnerships further to ensure its curriculum evolves alongside rapid advancements in automation. This collaborative approach ensures that local enterprises can directly influence the competencies being taught, bridging the gap between academia and immediate commercial needs.
Registration for the inaugural robotics cohort is now open, with businesses encouraged to apply early due to limited virtual capacity. As Herefordshire positions itself as an emerging hub for specialized technology, initiatives like this short course provide the foundational talent required to sustain regional growth.
Ultimately, NMITE’s continuous investment in targeted upskilling reinforces its vital role in future-proofing the local economy against shifting industrial demands.