Zebra Technologies and Clearview Launch Advanced Industrial Automation Centre of Excellence

Zebra Technologies Corporation, a global leader in digitising and automating frontline workflows, has announced the launch of the Industrial Automation Centre of Excellence in Oxfordshire, UK. This new centre, a collaboration with Clearview, a Zebra industrial automation distributor, aims to provide comprehensive services, training, and practical demonstrations for manufacturing and logistics organisations across the EMEA region.

The centre will serve as a hub for end users, machine builders, and systems integrators, focusing on machine vision, 3D, and AI solutions to enhance asset visibility and support intelligently automated operations. Donato Montanari, Vice President and General Manager, Machine Vision at Zebra Technologies, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Automotive, electric battery, electronics, and semiconductor manufacturers, as well as logistics organisations, face significant quality, compliance, and safety challenges. Frontline engineers, machine builders, and systems integrators need a professional network to demonstrate how technologies like AI and 3D can be integrated to achieve their goals and prepare for future growth.”

A recent Zebra Manufacturing Vision Study revealed that 54% of European manufacturers expect AI to drive growth by 2029. However, 84% of these manufacturers struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of new technology. Quality management issues, such as real-time visibility, compliance with new standards and regulations, data integration, and traceability, are among the top challenges.

To address these challenges, the centre will offer training and upskilling courses covering machine vision fundamentals and advanced approaches for specific use cases. With 71% of manufacturing leaders planning to reskill their workers to enhance data and technology usage skills, the centre’s problem-solving focus will be crucial. Customers and their machine vision specialists can bring in proof-of-concept applications and receive detailed feasibility reports and recommendations.

Allan Anderson, Managing Director and Founder of Clearview, emphasized the significance of the centre: “This is a significant step forward for the machine vision industry and the customers we support. It bridges the gap between technology and user knowledge, helping to create the best solutions available. Our team of certified machine vision professionals, along with training courses, engineering services, and state-of-the-art facilities, will democratise machine vision and help customers build great vision systems.”

The centre will also serve as a networking and confidence-building platform, fostering new relationships and collaborations. This is a critical time for new thinking and collaboration, as businesses look to turn technology investments into value drivers. Organisations interested in engaging with the centre can reach out for more information and to schedule visits.