COMPASS

Project overview

Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS) is a pioneering £54m open-access facility designed to de-risk and accelerate the manufacture of large-scale, high-rate composite parts.

As critical national infrastructure within the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, COMPASS solves major industrial bottlenecks by reducing material waste, production costs and manufacturing times. It leverages the AMRC’s world-leading expertise to help UK industries adopt more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing solutions.

The research facility serves as a low-risk sandbox open to businesses of all sizes across multiple sectors, empowering UK companies to compete within high-value global supply chains.

Ultimately, COMPASS acts as a cornerstone to attract global investment, drive cross-sector R&D and strengthen South Yorkshire’s position as the go-to destination for advanced manufacturing.

Challenge

While composite materials are vital for a sustainable future, current manufacturing methods remain time-consuming, costly and largely manual. To meet soaring production targets across multiple industries and achieve the UK's net-zero ambitions, the manufacturing sector must move beyond these limitations.

COMPASS introduces advanced automation technologies to address these barriers. By combining advanced composites with digital technologies, COMPASS moves the UK beyond traditional, manual processes to meet future production targets through technology readiness level (TRL) six capabilities and provides a major boost to UK supply chain resilience.

Key technologies

Designed to meet the demand for high-accuracy, large closed-mold structures, the research facility offers a range of customisable technologies for varied parts and component geometries, including:

• Material cutting
• Precision robotic assembly
• In-process inspection
• Advanced tooling concepts
• Resin infusion
• Post-cure treatment
• Robotic machining

The research facility emphasises automated component handling and smart factory integration through digital twin, validation and process optimisation to ensure improved rate, scale and accuracy – while supporting reconfigurability and ease of upgrades through robotic transfer.

Funding

The investment includes a £29.5m grant from the UK Government’s ATI Programme for the latest, state-of-the-art equipment for the broader benefit of aerospace and other industries; and £20m for the facility backed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council, University of Sheffield and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

Make an enquiry

Talk to us