Planning

4998/AM/GM - Digital Product Passport Cell R3

UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

04 Mar 2026 at 10:25

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Sheffield invites preliminary market engagement for the future procurement of a robotic cell designed to support research at their Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). This procurement, currently at the planning stage, is intended for a Digital Product Passport Cell at the university's Factory 2050 in Sheffield, UK (Region UKE32). This initiative aims to facilitate research into circular manufacturing by demonstrating automated processes. The engagement closes on 18th March 2026, indicating this initial phase is crucially timed to shape the upcoming tender process.

This procurement represents significant opportunities for businesses involved in the manufacturing, machine tools, robotics, and software sectors, particularly those with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Companies specialising in the development and integration of advanced industrial technologies could find substantial potential for collaboration within this project. SMEs, especially those active in research, testing, and scientific fields, are encouraged to contribute insights that could define a transparent and competitive procurement path in alignment with the Procurement Act 2023. This is a prime opportunity for firms to position themselves at the forefront of a project showcasing pioneering methodologies in digital product lifecycle management.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

4998/AM/GM - Digital Product Passport Cell R3

Notice Description

The University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is considering the future procurement of a robotic cell to support research into Digital Product Passports (DPPs)--digital records that capture key data about a product's materials, manufacturing history, and end-of-life options. The proposed robotic cell would be located at our Factory 2050 facility and used to demonstrate automated disassembly of an electric motor. The system would read and write data throughout the process to support research into circular manufacturing and highlight how DPPs can enable more sustainable industrial practices. The cell will also act as a demonstration platform for UK manufacturers, showcasing cutting-edge technologies that support the development and use of DPPs. We are carrying out preliminary market engagement to better understand current capabilities and innovations available in the market. This early engagement will help shape a fair, open, and realistic procurement process. We welcome input from potential suppliers and integrators on how their solutions could meet our initial needs. In particular, we would appreciate information on: Relevant technologies or approaches Indicative delivery timelines Non-binding pricing guidance to support early budgeting. Please note: this is not a formal procurement exercise. No commitment is being made at this stage, and participation in this engagement will not give any advantage in any future procurement. Any subsequent procurement process will be conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, ensuring transparency, equal treatment, and open competition. If you have any questions or comments in relation to this tender they must be submitted via the In-tend System, this can be accessed at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield Closing date for this market engagement is March 18th, 2026 at 12:00 noon (UK Time)

Planning Information

The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is considering the future procurement of a robotic cell to support research into Digital Product Passports (DPPs)—digital records that capture key data about a product’s materials, manufacturing history, and end-of-life options. The proposed robotic cell would be located at our Factory 2050 facility and used to demonstrate automated disassembly of an electric motor. The system would read and write data throughout the process to support research into circular manufacturing and highlight how DPPs can enable more sustainable industrial practices. The cell will also act as a demonstration platform for UK manufacturers, showcasing cutting-edge technologies that support the development and use of DPPs. We are carrying out preliminary market engagement to better understand current capabilities and innovations available in the market. This early engagement will help shape a fair, open, and realistic procurement process. We welcome input from potential suppliers and integrators on how their solutions could meet our initial needs. In particular, we would appreciate information on: Relevant technologies or approaches Indicative delivery timelines Non-binding pricing guidance to support early budgeting. Please note: this is not a formal procurement exercise. No commitment is being made at this stage, and participation in this engagement will not give any advantage in any future procurement. Any subsequent procurement process will be conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, ensuring transparency, equal treatment, and open competition. If you have any questions or comments in relation to this tender they must be submitted via the In-tend System, this can be accessed at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/Sheffield Closing date for this market engagement is March 18th, 2026 at 12:00 noon (UK Time)

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0661c6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019337-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

42 - Industrial machinery

43 - Machinery for mining, quarrying, construction equipment

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

38970000 - Research, testing and scientific technical simulator

42600000 - Machine tools

42611000 - Special-purpose machine tools

42990000 - Miscellaneous special-purpose machinery

42997300 - Industrial robots

43800000 - Workshop equipment

72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services

72212100 - Industry specific software development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
18 Mar 20263 days to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
14 Jun 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SHEFFIELD
Postcode
S10 2TN
Post Town
Sheffield
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE3 South Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE32 Sheffield
Delivery Location
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Local Authority
Sheffield
Electoral Ward
Broomhill and Sharrow Vale
Westminster Constituency
Sheffield Central

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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