Highlands and Islands Enterprise has commissioned Diffley Partnership and associated experts from Reid Consulting, Ventura System Solutions and Stonnivation Ltd to carry out a short study on ‘unmanned (or uncrewed) systems’ (drones and robotics) in the Highlands and Islands, with a particular focus on developments in Oban and North Lorn in Argyll.
By unmanned systems we mean unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, “drones”), unmanned underwater/undersea vehicles (UUVs, including ROVs and AUVs) and land-based robots or unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs and autonomous machinery), as well as related services, data and training.
The study aims to understand current awareness and use of these technologies, the opportunities they might offer for organisations like yours, and the main barriers to adoption. Findings will inform future decisions on infrastructure, skills and support for an emerging regional cluster across air, sea and land.
We are inviting organisations operating across the Highlands and Islands, or those interested in doing so, to share your experience and insights, by completing this brief survey. It should take around 10–15 minutes to complete. Data will be processed in accordance with data protection legislation. Your responses will be confidential and reported only in aggregate; no individuals or organisations will be identified without prior permission.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact either research@diffleypartnership.co.uk / or hieresearch@hient.co.uk
Thank you in advance for your time and insights.