About Us
Our Story
Welcome to Manchester Robotics (MCR2), where we are redefining the way robotics and automation skills are taught, learned, and applied. Born as a spinout from The University of Manchester, UK, we emerged from the Robotics Research Group within the Aerospace Research Institute to address a growing global demand for skilled professionals in robotics and Industry 4.0.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple yet profound: to democratise access to robotics and automation education by creating globally accessible tools that empower learners to innovate and thrive in the rapidly evolving world of robotics and automation.
From basic robotics to cutting-edge applications in AI and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), we provide a complete learning ecosystem that supports learners at every stage of their journey.
“Education is evolving, so we need to evolve with it…”
Dr Alexandru Stancu, CEO/Director
Our Vision
We envision a future where robotics education is as accessible as the internet itself. By empowering learners to create, innovate, and solve real-world problems, we aim to shape the workforce of tomorrow and drive global economic growth through automation and robotics.
At MCR2, we don’t just teach robotics—we inspire the next generation of engineers, researchers, and innovators to shape the future. Join us, and let’s make robotics for everyone.
“For us, robotic democratisation is not a concept… it's our way of thinking, working… being."
Professor Constantinos Soutis, Director
Meet the Team
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Dr. Alexandru Stancu
CEO, Co-Founder
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Prof. Constantinos Soutis
Director, Co-Founder
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Dr. Mario Martinez
CTO, Co-Founder
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Dr. Eduard Codres
Head of Innovation and Research, Co-Founder
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Andrew Taylor
Commercial Lead
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Phil Kemp
Business Advisor
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Gillian Kavanagh
Innovate UK Edge IGS
Why We’re Different
MCR2 combines the latest technological advancements with a learner-centric approach, ensuring our platforms are:
Flexible: From beginners to advanced researchers, PuzzleBot caters to a wide range of learning needs.
Accessible: Our solutions are cost-effective and available globally through partnerships with universities, corporations, and online platforms.
Innovative: With collaborations like our partnership with NVIDIA, we integrate robotics education with cutting-edge fields such as AI, computer vision, and autonomy.
“I know my Puzzlebot unit so well I think I could put it together in the dark without a problem.”
Alex P, Student, Manchester
Our Impact
Since our founding, we have delivered:
300+ PuzzleBot units during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling remote hands-on learning worldwide.
Tools and curricula that have contributed to 10+ published research papers and 15+ MSc/PhD theses.
Learning experiences for thousands of students and professionals across renowned institutions like University of Manchester, Tec de Monterrey, Technische Hochschule Nürnberg, Durham University and many more.
Global partnership with robotic companies such as NVIDIA and RaspberryPi.
“I really didn’t know how much I would enjoy the physical aspect of taking the unit apart and putting it back together again. I’m already thinking of ways to create my own robot based on what I’ve learned.”
Suzanne G, Student, Manchester