The understanding and implementation of robots and AI (Artificial Intelligence) into the workplace is becoming an increasingly important aspect of economic growth in Europe. In order to take advantage of the technological advances SME Managers need the appropriate tools (including skills and competencies) to evaluate the value of automation and how to integrate robots and AI into the workforce.SME Managers need to consider a range of strategic factors to integrate next-generation robots into their overall strategy. They need to re-think workflows - introducing autonomous units that can think and interact with a wider ecosystem requires a re-evaluation of workplace structure. They need to consider social factors - the introduction of robots requires an understanding of social context and how these they interact and communicate.The specific aim of the Project will be to develop a series of training and support tools for SME Managers to enable them to assess the value of robots to their business development and sustainability and then effectively introduce them. These tools will include a best practice guide, self-assessment tools and an information exchange platform.The results of this project will be: •Benchmarking: The project will need to include some desk based work initially to cover the field i.e. literature detailing examples of the introduction robotics/AI in SMEs in Europe. Analytical activities: The project will undertake a Europe-wide survey to determine the issues faced by SME Managers when considering the introduction of robots/AI into their organisation and make recommendations as to what strategies they need to adopt to gain the best advantage from their introduction - Robots/AI Introduction in SMEs: A European Analysis•The results of the benchmarking and Europeans survey will be developed into a Best Practice Guide for SME Managers. The issues addressed will include (i) the initial financial impact on the business, (ii) the impact on the existing workforce, (iii) the impact on productivity and identify good practice and other identified issues - Robots and AI Introduction: A Guide for SME Managers, incorporating Self-Assessment Tools•Information Exchange Platform: To develop the technical architecture for the creation of an Information Exchange Platform that SME Managers can use to discuss issues of interest with other SMEs and where the Analysis Review Report, interactive self-assessment tools, Best Practice Guide will reside - Robots and AI in the Workplace Information Exchange PlatformThe overall impact of the Project will be an effective and viable way of managing the growing need for information and support of SME in the area of the introduction of new age technologies into their business.Considering short, medium and long term impacts, the project aims at providing the opportunity to develop and foster the interest in the introduction of “New Age Technologies” and offer the opportunity to SME Managers to take appropriate action with a view to assisting their decision making.Once the benefits of using the project outputs are realized, and embraced by SMEs, the overall impact will be to enable SMEs to effectively, and efficiently, introduce robots/AI into the workplace with a view to increase productively and make them more competitive.It is expected that over 800 participants, SMEs, SME support agencies, Enterprise Agencies and training institutions and individuals, will directly and indirectly benefit from involvement with the project.