By combining industrial expertise, advanced technology and collaborative innovation, Osterøy's new national robotics test centre will help SMEs accelerate their digital transformation. Børge Brundtland from Industriutvikling Vest, Vidar Tufteland from KORT, and Håkon Haugli from Innovation Norway making the new status official. Photo: Gaute Gaarder.

Our robotics island selected as Norway's national robot testing hub

Kompetansesenteret for Robotteknologi (KORT) and its industrial partners is now officially a a national test centre for robotics and automation technology. The recognition makes Osterøy the first robotics testing centre of its kind in Vestland.

- The designation, awarded by Siva (the Norwegian Industrial Development Corporation) reinforces the region's position as a leading hub for advanced manufacturing, automation and industrial innovation. To test before you scale is vital, and KORT opens possibilities also for small companies, says Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem in Invest in Vestland.

Building on local industry

Osterøy, northeast of Bergen, has set an ambitious goal of becoming Norway's foremost robotics island. The new Catapult Node builds on a remarkable industrial foundation already established by local companies, which together operate around 120 industrial robots and have created one of the country's highest concentrations of robotics expertise.

The facility will continue to provide testing infrastructure, training and advisory services to Norwegian companies seeking to adopt automation and robotic technologies, with a particular focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

- Many companies have limited resources for innovation and lack access to testing facilities. In Osterøy, we have the expertise, technology and equipment to help them succeed, explains says KORT Director Vidar Tufteland.

With Osterøy at its centre, Vestland is strengthening its position as one of Norway's most exciting regions for industrial innovation and advanced manufacturing. Photo: Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem.

Strengthening Vestland's ecosystem

The establishment of a national robotics test centre delivers significant benefits for Vestland's wider innovation ecosystem.

First, it lowers barriers for companies across the region to experiment, test and implement advanced technologies without making large upfront investments. This accelerates technology adoption and strengthens the competitiveness of local industries.

Second, the centre creates a stronger link between industry, research institutions and educational environments. Access to test facilities and specialist expertise encourages collaboration, knowledge-sharing and the development of new solutions across sectors.

Third, the initiative enhances Vestland's attractiveness for investors, technology companies and skilled workers looking to be part of a dynamic innovation environment. Nationally recognised test infrastructure is a key asset in attracting new industrial projects and supporting business expansion.

Together, these factors help create a more resilient, productive and future-oriented regional economy.

Automation as a driver

The companies involved in KORT provide compelling evidence of how automation can support industrial growth while creating new employment opportunities.

According to Jørn Jacobsen, Managing Director of Lonevåg Beslagfabrikk LOBAS says increased robotisation has resulted in substantial productivity gains in recent years.

- We have experienced strong productivity growth as a result of automation. We also see that the number of employees and robots has increased in parallel. This demonstrates that we are creating new and exciting jobs while remaining competitive through the adoption of robotics and new technology.

The KORT partnership includes several of Osterøy's leading industrial companies, including LOBAS, Mjøs Metallvarefabrikk, K. Lerøy Metallindustri, Tysse, Gunnebo Anja Industrier, Osterøy Utvikling and Industriutvikling Vest. Photo: Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem.