An exciting new collaboration is underway, between process automation specialist Promtek Ltd, deep-tech leader IREROBOT and a recently qualified University of Staffordshire graduate, to revolutionise automation and interaction within the processing and extended reality industries.

The innovative project unites Charles Williams, Managing Director at Promtek Ltd and Evagoras Xydas, CEO and founder of IREROBOT Ltd with ex Staffordshire University student, Ashwanth Vivakanantha.

Ashwanth, who recently completed his MSc in Robotics and Smart Technologies, has embarked on the ambitious venture through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between his former University and the two pioneering businesses. The alliance focuses on the development of an advanced robotic arm specifically tailored for the processing industry — a move that reflects the growing demand for intelligent ingredient handling solutions.

“Applying my academic foundation to a real-world challenge like this is incredibly exciting,” said Ashwanth. “The opportunity to work with industry leaders like Promtek and be mentored through this collaborative environment has been invaluable.”

Promtek Ltd, a Staffordshire-based company with a long-standing reputation for recipe controlled automation in the ingredient processing industry, is leveraging this partnership to stay at the forefront of smart manufacturing. “We see this as a significant step toward the future of intelligent recipe handling systems,” said Mr Williams. “Our partnership with the University and Ashwanth is enabling fresh thinking and new energy in our R&D efforts.”

Strengthening this innovation-driven alliance is Evagoras Xydas, founder of IREROBOT — a cutting-edge deep-tech company pioneering technologies in haptics, AI-driven sensory substitution, embedded systems and robotics. Having prior collaborative experience with Charles Williams on various projects, Evagoras brings unique insights and technical depth to the partnership. 

IREROBOT is the creator of HGLOVE, a high-fidelity haptic glove offering fingertip collision detection and machine-learning driven feedback to significantly advance immersive XR experiences. The company also developed ACETT, a groundbreaking device that translates sound into tactile acoustic vibrations for those suffering from hearing loss.  

“IREROBOT thrives on collaboration,” said Evagoras. “By combining Promtek’s industrial automation expertise with Ashwanth’s robotics talent and our deep-tech innovations, we’re helping shape the next generation of intelligent, human-centric technologies.”

As the project progresses, this powerful blend of academic talent, industrial partnership and deep-tech experience positions the trio at the very heart of the next wave of technological advancement. The work they are doing is not just about efficiency - it’s about building a future where robotics, machine learning and human experience meet. 

With their combined expertise and future-focused vision, this groundbreaking collaboration is set to redefine intelligent ingredient handling in the recipe controlled industry — paving the way for smarter, more adaptive manufacturing solutions.