Air Innovation Robotics: Engineering the Future of Energy
Founded in 2024 by Perthshire-based entrepreneur Gordon Ross, AIR Innovation Robotics is focused on the creation and manufacturing of wind-based renewable energy technology.
With a clear vision for innovation in sustainable energy, AIR functions both as an R&D hub and manufacturer of micro turbines, and as a distributor of third-party products that align with their vision and ethos.
Gordon explains, “Our core product is a 2.3 kilowatt micro turbine, designed as a modular unit and deployed in a robust framework through a smart grid.
“This innovative approach allows our customers to deploy the turbines inside a building, which means they fall under regular planning and can be easily maintained by a competent electrician or mechanic. However, once in place, they produce the power equivalent of much larger, outdoor turbine, making them extremely efficient; a 1MW Smart Farm can be created on a site smaller than 5 acres.”
Despite being a micro-company, AIR’s ambitions are anything but small. With a clear strategic focus, and a distinct market niche, the company is poised to contribute significantly to the UK’s advanced manufacturing landscape.
“Our customer base is largely industrial, supplying energy parks and vehicle fleets directly. Alongside this we’re making significant inroads into the agricultural space, supplying farms with systems that fill a typical barn. We’re working with Growspec for this, who are world-leading pioneers in vertical farming and who are currently engaged with 25,000 UK farms.
“We’re uniquely placed in this sector. Our wind mapping data and trunk road knowledge means we know where people want to go. We can use this intelligence to offer farmers a means to provide energy parks - via their energy producing farm – within the wider network.”
Although only 18 months old, AIR has successfully closed its first pre-seed funding round of £285K mostly from European investors. Now actively raising its second round for a further £260K, the company is attracting interest from investors looking to move into the clean growth market space.
To support these ambitions, Gordon is working closely with the Angel’s Share, a Perth and Kinross Council funded initiative that provides growth-ready, innovative businesses with the opportunity to pitch for investment to experienced, certified investors.
“We pitched to the Angel’s Share investors earlier this year, and from that attracted the attention of Geoff Brown of GS Brown Construction. We are now at pre-planning stage for a project that aims to roll out through their Oudenarde development just outside of Perth. This has been a significant collaborative effort, and one that could unlock around £18m of sales moving forward.
“As well as this, we secured a non-executive director in Andrew Byers, who has been instrumental in writing our business plan for the next growth stage.
“I’d like to think we can make Perth the Cambridge of the North, creating high value, quality jobs in the research and development of robotics and AI solutions. Ideally then, I’d like to attract investors who are as committed as I am in reinvesting in the local area and so, we are working with Finlay Kerr to pitch through Angel’s Share again in September.”
Investors in clean growth, AI, and smart robotics would do well to keep an eye on this agile, high-tech startup as it builds momentum and reshapes how intelligent machines can offer smart solutions for the climate emergency and more.
Who are AIR Innovation Robotics?
R&D in Wind-Based Renewable Energy: Engaging in cutting-edge research and development to create and optimize wind energy technologies, aiming to advance the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable solutions.
Manufacturing: AIR aims to manufacture and assemble as much of the product locally with a view to using an innovative system for creating parts using recycled material from decommissioned wind turbine blades that would otherwise be headed for landfill.
Publishing and Distribution of Third-Party Products: Serving as a valuable resource for high-quality third-party products, including wind turbines and battery energy storage and recharging systems. We carefully curate and distribute technologies that offer significant value and align with our mission.
Collaborative Projects: Partnering with industry innovators, startups, and researchers to foster advancements in renewable energy and expand the market reach of promising technologies.
Oudenarde Development: The development is planned to include approximately 1,600 energy-efficient, low-carbon homes spread across 123 hectares. It will feature a mix of housing types, including affordable options, as well as community amenities like a school, shops, and a village centre.
AIR will supply the associated business park development with thousands of its wind turbines to supply local green energy that will bolster real green transition jobs.
What is The Angel’s Share Initiative?
The Angel’s Share is a Perth and Kinross Council funded facilitation programme that provides growth-ready, innovative businesses with the opportunity to pitch for investment to experienced, certified investors.
Focused on nurturing an area-wide culture of ambition and entrepreneurship, the programme considers factors such as industry experience, business personality, needs outwith funding and time available to invest. In doing this, the Angel's Share aims to maximise both the capital investment and the long-term business potential.
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