What CNC Robotics does

CNC Robotics Ltd is a privately held UK industrial robotics integrator founded in 2010 by Jason Barker and headquartered in Bootle, Liverpool City Region. The company designs and builds bespoke robotic systems for both subtractive manufacturing (CNC machining and trimming) and additive manufacturing (large-format 3D printing for composites, thermoplastics, and metals). Systems are built primarily around KUKA industrial robots — including KUKA KR10, KR210, and linear-tracked variants — fitted with HITECO electro-spindles and CAD/CAM software (Autodesk PowerMill, ENCY/SprutCAM, AI Build, Adaxis, and Eidos). Product lines include CNC Robot, CNC Robot Track, Cell4Milling, the A-Frame trim cell, and the Caracol Heron AM, Caracol Vipra AM, and Paste_Pro large-format additive platforms, alongside a refurbished robot programme at 30-40% of new-system cost.

The company serves customers across aerospace and defence, automotive, marine, creative industries (film and theme-park prop making), construction, healthcare, and education/research, with named users including Merlin Magic Making, BGI Supplies, Complete Composites, Suprema Marine, Millimetre, the University of Liverpool, Plastics 4 Performance, Carbolite Gero, and Linecross Group. Certifications include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, Cyber Essentials, and UKCA/CE, plus Make UK Defence membership and Crown Commercial Service DPS Spark Framework supplier status, enabling public-sector and defence procurement access.

Revenue mechanics combine hardware sales (new and refurbished robotic cells), professional services (consultancy, integration, commissioning, and training), recurring service and maintenance contracts, and a spare-parts e-commerce channel. Pricing is project-specific with public signals including a £150,000 finance example, refurbished units at 30-40% of new-system cost, and Close Brothers Asset Finance hire-purchase terms up to five years. CNC Robotics operates as a KUKA Platinum System Integrator (one of six in the UK) and as official UK reseller for Caracol and HITECO, distributing ENCY, AI Build, and Adaxis software alongside its own Eidos Builder and Eidos Nexus platforms.

Name

CNC Robotics

Legal name

CNC Robotics Ltd

Website

https://cncrobotics.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CNC Robotics is a UK-based industrial robotics integrator that designs bespoke KUKA-based robotic systems for CNC machining, large-format 3D printing, and composite trimming, serving aerospace, automotive, marine, defence, creative, healthcare, and education customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Robotic Integration Systems

NAICS

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (33324)

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569), Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Robotics & Cobots (IMAIAMAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), Industrial Robots (Articulated, SCARA, Delta, Cartesian) (IMAHAHAA), Motion Control Controllers & CNC/Robot Drives (Motion Controllers, Multi-axis) (IMAGACAH), Industrial Robotics (Programming, Operation & Safety) (EDAOAHAC)

Keywords

• Industrial robotic integration
• Robotic CNC machining
• Large-format additive manufacturing
• KUKA system integration
• Automated composite manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Liverpool

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Robotic Systems Sales: Sale of new and refurbished industrial robotic systems including KUKA robots with custom integration for machining, additive manufacturing, and trimming applications. Systems range from standard cells to fully bespoke turnkey solutions configured to specific customer requirements.
2. Integration and Commissioning Services: Engineering-led integration services including feasibility studies, design, build, testing, installation and training. Consultancy engagements conducted as paid scoping exercises before final system decisions. Typically 6-stage process averaging 12 weeks.
3. Service, Maintenance and Support: Annual service and maintenance contracts offering planned maintenance, breakdown repair, and ongoing technical support. Includes risk assessments, spare parts inventory management, and preventive maintenance scheduling for KUKA robotic systems.
4. Spare Parts and Consumables: Supply of KUKA robot spare parts including gears, motors, drives, sensors, controller components, batteries, oils, greases, teach pendants, cables, and consumables. E-commerce shop for HITECO spindles and accessories.
5. System Upgrades and Refurbishment: Upgrade services for existing KUKA robots including linear track extensions, controller modernisations, new spindle or additive head integrations, and hybrid workflow introductions. Refurbished robot recommissioning services restoring full functionality.
6. Training Services: Application-specific training covering robot operation, programming, CAD/CAM workflows, and safety. Delivered as part of system installation or as standalone training engagements. Covers introductory through advanced levels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CNC Robotics designs, integrates, and commissions bespoke industrial robotic systems for additive and subtractive manufacturing, built primarily around KUKA 6-axis and 7-axis industrial robots with HITECO electro spindles. The company delivers complete turnkey robotic cells for 3D printing, CNC machining, and trimming applications, while serving as official UK reseller for Caracol AM systems, HITECO spindles, and several CAD/CAM software platforms. Engineering-led integration services encompass feasibility studies, design, build, testing, installation, training, and ongoing service and maintenance contracts.

Product overview

CNC Robotics is a robotics integration company offering a portfolio of industrial robotic systems for additive manufacturing (3D printing) and subtractive manufacturing (CNC machining/trimming), complemented by software solutions and support services. The core product lines include: (1) 3D Printing Systems — Caracol Heron AM (composites/thermoplastics), Caracol Vipra AM (metals/WAAM), and Paste_Pro (GRP mould printing); (2) CNC Machining Systems — CNC Robot (standard 6-axis), CNC Robot Track (extended reach via linear track), Cell4Milling (compact entry-level cell), and CNC Robot A-Frame (trimming cell); (3) Software — PowerMill (Autodesk), ENCY CAD/CAM (official UK reseller), Eidos Builder/Nexus (Caracol), Aibuild, and Adaxis; (4) Services — automation consultancy, service & maintenance, parts & upgrades, training & support, and finance solutions. The company also offers Refurbished Robots as a lower-cost entry option. Systems are built primarily around KUKA industrial robots with Hiteco spindles, and the company operates as a KUKA Platinum System Integration Partner.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• M-Series: Robotic machining systems including KUKA-based robotic CNC milling cells for subtractive manufacturing applications.
• Multi3
• Caracol Heron AM
• Caracol Vipra AM
• Paste_Pro
• CNC Robot A-Frame
• Cell4Milling
• CNC Robot Track

Products and services

• CNC Robot Machining System Robotic CNC machining system delivering six-axis flexibility for milling and material removal operations, built around KUKA industrial robots with Hiteco electro spindles for industrial manufacturers across aerospace, automotive, marine, and creative sectors.
• CNC Robot Track System Robotic CNC machining deployed on a linear track extending the robot's working envelope along a linear axis, expanding reach from 3,000mm to 40,000mm for large-scale components such as hull plugs and boat moulds. Configured to specific process requirements with the track designed as a core part of the cell.
• Cell4Milling Compact System Small-footprint, self-contained robotic machining cell designed for milling lighter density materials in a compact accessible package. Built around KUKA KR10 R900 Agilus with Hiteco electro spindle, 7th axis rotating table, and integrated extraction unit in a 1200x800x2000mm enclosure. Ideal as an entry point for introducing robotic machining in education, research, and low-volume production.
• CNC Robot A-Frame Trim Cell Purpose-built enclosed robotic trim cell where the operator loads parts on one side of the A-frame while the robot works on the other. Integrated vacuum fixture system for composite and hybrid material trimming. Features KUKA KR210 R2700 Quantec with 210kg payload, 2700mm reach, positional repeatability of ±0.2mm, and supports max part dimensions of 3000x2500x1000mm. Includes dust containment roof for swarf management.
• Refurbished KUKA Robotic Systems Refurbished KUKA robots and fully reconditioned robotic systems built, tested, and commissioned to the same standard as new cells at 30-40% of new system cost. Includes guarding, end-of-arm tooling, CAD/CAM software, control systems, and commissioning. Typical lead time 6-10 weeks with 12-month warranty. Targets first-time adopters and budget-conscious projects.
• Caracol Heron AM Large-Format Additive Manufacturing System Large-format robotic additive manufacturing system for printing advanced composites and thermoplastics, offered as part of CNC Robotics' role as official UK reseller of Caracol 3D Printing Platforms. Paired with Eidos software suite for slicing, build preparation, and process monitoring. Supports planar, angled, and non-planar build strategies.
• Caracol Vipra AM Metal Additive Manufacturing System Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) platform for large-format metal deposition, offered as the official UK reseller providing comprehensive services including installation, maintenance, and training. Capabilities include printing of large and heavy metal components suitable for aerospace, defence, and industrial sectors.
• Paste_Pro GRP Mould 3D Printing System 3D printing system for printing GRP moulds directly without the need for support material, eliminating multiple manufacturing steps. Used for automotive and marine mould production.
• ENCY CAD/CAM Software Platform All-in-one CAD/CAM software platform covering multi-axis milling, robotic machining, trimming, welding, polishing, deburring, and additive/hybrid manufacturing. Distributed by CNC Robotics as official UK reseller. Includes ENCY Robot for offline programming and simulation, ENCY Tuner for NC-code fine-tuning without stopping production, and ENCY Hyper for real-time robot control with shop-floor touch interface. Includes native AI functionality for toolpath creation and error catching.
• Automation Consultancy Service Engineering-led scoping and simulation service conducted before capital commitment. Collects part drawings, cycle times, production volumes, and building layout data; defines robot configuration; runs high-level simulation and cycle time studies; and pressure-tests proposed solutions against real-world variables for enterprise manufacturers evaluating robotic automation.
• Service and Maintenance Contracts Annual service and maintenance contracts for KUKA robotic systems provided as a Platinum KUKA Partner. Covers breakdown repair, mechanical, electrical, and software issues across KRC4 and KRC5 systems, SmartPAD repair, spindle service, robot recommissioning, planned preventive maintenance, breakdown repair, risk assessments, spare parts inventory management, and ongoing technical support for installed systems.
• Parts and Upgrades Service Engineering-led upgrade services for KUKA robots including linear track extensions, controller modernisations, new spindle or additive head integrations, and hybrid workflow introductions. Refurbished robot recommissioning restores full functionality. Wide inventory of KUKA spare parts including gears, motors, drives, sensors, controller components, batteries, oils, greases, teach pendants, cables, and consumables. E-commerce shop for HITECO spindles and accessories.
• Training and Support Services Application-specific training and ongoing technical support covering robot operation, programming, CAD/CAM workflows, and safety. Delivered as part of system installation or as standalone training engagements from introductory through advanced levels. Includes CAD/CAM training, robot safety and risk assessments, online and offline support, and system calibration for operators and engineers.
• Finance Solutions Flexible financing through partnership with Close Brothers Asset Finance, offering hire purchase options up to five years. Online ROI calculator shows indicative terms (example: £150,000 system with 10% deposit and 60-month term yields £4,199.34 monthly payment, subject to underwriting approval). Finance available on both new and refurbished systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• Lead times reduced by 25-30% compared to traditional blocking up and machining methods
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability7 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, flagship and minor.

• CaracolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 April 2026Official UK reseller of Caracol 3D Printing Platforms providing comprehensive suite of services including extruder integrations, installations, maintenance and training. Partnership deepened in 2026 with local assembly and integration capability for Heron AM (composite) and Vipra AM (metal) systems in UK market.
• AM FuturescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 April 2026UK reseller partnership for Caracol systems alongside CNC Robotics. Joint ecosystem model serving British market for additive manufacturing systems with local assembly, integration and servicing capability.
• AdaxismajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026Partnership with European robotics software specialist for hybrid manufacturing. Adaxis technology makes industrial robotics accessible for everyone, enabling robots as flexible 3D printers for metal, plastics, composites and concrete. Powers hybrid manufacturing in Eidos suite.
• Total Machining SolutionsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Strategic partnership showcasing Large Format Additive Manufacturing innovations at JEC. TMS delivered major aerospace project producing 2.6m carbon fibre-filled mould tools achieving 25% cost savings and 30% lead-time reduction. Complete hardware, software and manufacturing solution for composite industry.
• MeltiomajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Partnership for metal additive manufacturing systems. Meltio engine integrated with KUKA robot, AI Build software and CNC Robotics bespoke guarding for large and heavy metal component printing.
• AI BuildmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Partnership providing turnkey industrial additive manufacturing solution. AI Build automates toolpath generation for robotic 3D printing systems covering polymer extrusion, metal DED, WAAM, cold spray, concrete and paste extrusion. 86% faster toolpath generation reported by clients.
• SprutCAM / ENCYcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Official UK reseller of ENCY all-in-one CAD/CAM software platform. Partnership formalised in 2023 for robotic machining software covering multi-axis milling, trimming, welding, polishing, deburring and additive/hybrid manufacturing.
• CEAD GroupmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Partnership with CEAD Group for large format 3D printing extruders. CNC Robotics offers CEAD standalone extruders with comprehensive suite of services including extruder integrations, installations, maintenance and training.
• KUKAcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2014Platinum System Integration Partner since 2014 with over 13 years of affiliation. One of six KUKA Platinum partners in UK. KUKA robots form core hardware of robotic systems. Partnership renewal in 2026 marked 11th year of collaboration.
• HITECOcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2014Official UK reseller of HITECO electromechanical components for machine tools. HITECO spindles used for all CNC machining and trimming solutions supplied by CNC Robotics.
• Autodesk / PowerMillcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2010Long-standing partnership dating to 2010 and Delcam origins. Founder Jason Barker co-developed Delcam/PowerMill. Autodesk acquired Delcam in 2014. Partnership provides CAD/CAM software for robotic CNC programming.
• Make UK DefencemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership aligned with Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS), strengthening UK sovereign manufacturing capabilities. Supports defence sector customers with scalable, future-focused robotics.
• University of LiverpoolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership and customer. Two KUKA-based robotic systems for Laser Development Lab and Mechanical Engineering Department. Collaboration on advanced engineering research including land speed record bike project.
• NERIC SalfordmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorthern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre partnership. CNC Robotics supplies robotic machining and 3D printing systems to showcase technology to students, researchers and SMEs.
• MMU Robotic Living LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManchester Metropolitan University partnership providing robotic systems for education and research at Robotic Living Lab facility.
• NMIS StrathclydemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Manufacturing Institute Scotland partnership providing robotic systems for advanced manufacturing research and industry collaboration.
• Bart SimpsoncoreOthersAppointment of former Delcam and Autodesk Director as Non-Exec Chairman in 2020. Brings deep expertise from CAD/CAM industry and PowerMill development history.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Thermwood Corporation: US-based manufacturer of Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) systems — a competing integrated gantry-based LFAM platform. Represents an alternative technology stack customers could choose over robotic LFAM solutions like Caracol.
• Caracol-AM: Italian manufacturer of Heron AM and Vipra AM robotic LFAM platforms and CNC Robotics' principal UK partner. Strategic partner today, but Caracol's direct European expansion or competing integrator recruitment could become competitive risk.

Direct peers

• RP Technologies: UK plastic and metal additive manufacturing service bureau with robotic AM capability. Direct competitor in additive subcontract manufacturing and as a UK partner/reseller for related AM platforms.
• BACA Systems: UK and US specialist in robotic trimming, cutting, and surface finishing for composites and plastics. Direct competitor to CNC Robotics' A-Frame trimming cell line, serving overlapping composites, automotive and aerospace customer bases.
• Carpenter Pattern & Engineering: UK-based bespoke pattern, model and prototype manufacturer with robotic machining capability. Comparable niche integrator in industrial patterns and large composite tooling competing for the same aerospace, marine and creative-industry customers.
• Inertia Engineering: UK engineering firm focused on additive manufacturing tooling, robotics integration, and large-format 3D printing. Directly comparable scale offering competing LFAM and robotic machining solutions in similar industrial verticals.
• Bradgate Automation: UK-based robotic and automation system integrator serving manufacturing customers with custom cells. Closely comparable scale and integrator business model in the same UK industrial robotics market.

Broad incumbents

• ABB Robotics: Global industrial automation incumbent offering robots, controllers and integration services across machining and AM use cases. Their global integrators network represents indirect competitive pressure and channel alternatives to CNC Robotics' KUKA-centric model.
• KUKA Robotics: Parent hardware partner and global industrial robot OEM. Not a direct competitor in UK bespoke integration, but its strategic direction (vertical integration, expanding integrator networks, direct customer reach) sets the competitive backdrop that determines CNC Robotics' addressable opportunity.
• Yaskawa (Motoman) Robotics: Global industrial robot OEM with broad automation integration footprint. Competes with KUKA-installed integrator base and shapes the wider market of robot platforms customers could choose for similar machining and LFAM cells.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cnc_robotics
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCn机器人
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cnc-robotics-limited
• Instagraminstagram.com/cncroboticsuk
• Facebookfacebook.com/CNC-Robotics-LTD-378676975498881

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CNC Robotics