A large group of students and mentors pose together at a robotics competition event. Most of the students wear matching bright orange shirts with a logo, while others are in school uniforms. A banner in the background displays 'Inspire Award' and logos for FIRST Tech Challenge and the National Robotarium.

BLOG: Leading the next generation of Scottish roboticists to the First Tech Challenge UK finals – Blair Wilson

/in , , , , , /by

Blair Wilson, Schools and Industry Engagement Lead, shares his reflections on the Scottish regional finals of the 2025 First Tech Challenge UK competition, which took place at The National Robotarium on 23 April 

This week, The National Robotarium played host to the Scotland Regional Finals of the First Tech Challenge UK, one of the world’s largest robot competitions for 12-18 year olds. The regional event marked the culmination of our thriving partnership with the First Tech Challenge team which began – alongside sponsors at Hearts of Midlothian FC Innovation Centre – in December 2023, when I led a team of our robotics engineers to inspire the ten competing teams at an all-day, community ‘scrimmage’ event at Tynecastle Park, Hearts FC football ground.

A smiling man kneels beside a yellow Boston Dynamics Spot robotic dog, holding a controller

Blair Wilson is Outreach and Engagement Lead at The National Robotarium

It was a big deal for the National Robotarium to be invited; the facility was just over a year old and I, along with my colleague Sabaht, had spent the past 12 months building an engagement programme for schools, industry and the general public. The programme had to not only help raise awareness of the positive benefits greater adoption of robotics and AI can have in our everyday lives, it also aimed to increase inclusion and diversity in computer science, technology, and other robotics-related STEM subjects, and address future skills gaps by building the UK’s robotics talent base.

The first Scottish scrimmage event, which was kicked-off (pardon the pun) with an inspiring introduction from our CEO Stewart Miller, was a day of creativity, building and operating rudimentary robots with the teams receiving demonstrations and advice from our engineers on everything ranging from automation to soft robotics.

A presenter stands beside a yellow Boston Dynamics Spot robotic dog, addressing a seated group of students in a modern indoor venue with purple ceiling lights.

Blair and Spot at the First Tech Scottish Scrimmage at Hearts Innovation Centre (Dec 2023)

Since then, we’ve hosted a number of First Tech events at The National Robotarium, including training sessions for teachers and volunteers. However, nothing we’ve done so far matched the levels of excitement brought by the regional finalists! Throughout the day, our Atrium space was vibrant; full of teamwork, community spirit and lots and lots of robots!

It was clear that each of the competing teams had put in a tonne of work in the lead-up to the contest. The innovation and creativity showcased in the robotic creations was incredible, with every one a serious contender. However, there could only be one winner, and P4F (Passion4Fusion) Robotics took home the Inspire Award for their robot ‘Shabalala’, meaning they will battle it out at the UK finals event, taking place in London on 26-27 June. An amazing achievement.

A large group of students and mentors pose together at a robotics competition event. Most of the students wear matching bright orange shirts with a logo, while others are in school uniforms. A banner in the background displays 'Inspire Award' and logos for FIRST Tech Challenge and the National Robotarium.

2025 Scottish Inspire Award winners Passion4Fusion Robotics

Since joining The National Robotarium, I have engaged with 10,000’s of young people, teachers, learners, community groups, robot enthusiasts – and, occasionally, robot sceptics! – showcasing and discussing robots, their capabilities and the types of exciting career opportunities these emerging technologies bring. Like the PC in the 80s and the mobile phone in the 90s, robotics will soon become part of everyone’s daily lives, and we need to ensure we have the skills, knowledge and understanding required for seamless integration and adoption.

Robots are not going to replace humans, but instead help humans’ everyday lives, taking on the dull, dirty or dangerous tasks, and, in the education sector, augmenting learning and teaching, so teachers can focus on the vital, human elements of the role; guiding, inspiring, and motivating young people to achieve their very best.

Whilst hosting events like the First Tech Challenge takes an enormous amount of work, they give young people an entry point to understanding how they operate and the limitless things they – the roboticists – can do with their help.

Get involved!

Thinking about joining the one of the UK’s most epic STEM challenges? Heart of Midlothian FC’s Innovation Centre are hosting an open Summer Showcase event in June (date TBC). Come along and meet this year’s First Tech Challenge teams, watch the robots in action, , and find out everything you need to get started ahead of next year’s contest, starting in September 2025.

We’ll be sharing more information on this exciting event soon but, in the meantime, you can email Blair for more info at: Blair.Wilson@hw.ac.uk 

Renowned author to interview Ameca humanoid robot on-stage at Edinburgh Futures Institute

/in , , , , , , , , /by

Ameca, one of the world’s most advanced humanoids, will take to the stage for a one-on-one interview with nationally decorated author Jeanette Winterson, as part of the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) official launch event.

The robot, recently installed at The National Robotarium, a world-leading centre for robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) at Heriot-Watt University, will share its thoughts on the rapid advancement of AI in society and how people’s lives, work and learning will be impacted by the development of these technologies.

Also speaking at the event, taking place 7 October, is the National Robotarium’s Head of Robotics, Dr Ingo Keller, who will join a panel discussion with Jeanette and Chair JL Williams for a deep-dive into the future of robots and how human trust and relationships robots will evolve as the technology gets increasingly more sophisticated.

‘Jeanette Winterson: In Conversation with Ameca’ kicks-off EFI’s new season of events, Learning Curves, its first since renovation work was completed on the building. It also marks the first joint event delivered by EFI and The National Robotarium, both partner hubs of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative, funded as part of the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal to make the region the data capital of Europe.

Get your FREE ticket at: https://efi.ed.ac.uk/event/jeanette-winterson-in-conversation-with-ameca/

For more information on EFI’s Learning Curves autumn programme, including links to other events, visit: https://efi.ed.ac.uk/learning-curves-autumn-2024/

SOLD OUT Doors Open Day at The National Robotarium – Saturday 28 September

/in , , , /by

On Saturday 28 September, The National Robotarium will be open to the general public for Doors Open Day!

Visit us at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus for a tour of our hi-spec labs for Human-Robot Interaction, Robotics and Autonomous Systems and Precision Laser Applications, watch live demonstrations of our quadruped robotic dogs and advanced conversational humanoid Ameca, and test your own robotics skills through hands-on activities.

REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE

Advance booking essential.

 

 

Ben Glasgow

BLOG: “Ameca, do you like Taylor Swift?” Coming face-to-face with one of the world’s most advanced humanoid robots.

/in , , , , , /by

The chance for children to meet advanced humanoid robots like Ameca reveals the potential for artificial intelligence to enhance learning in schools, says Schools and Industry Engagement Lead at the National Robotarium,  Michelle McLeod

Last month, we welcomed students from Lasswade Primary and High Schools to the National Robotarium here at Heriot-Watt University to meet Ameca, one of the world’s most advanced humanoid robots.

As robots become more commonplace in classrooms and other child-focused environments, understanding how children form trusting relationships with these machines will be crucial. With this insight, we can design robots to more effectively collaborate with teachers and help to educate children.

We’ve done considerable research on human-robot interaction. One of our studies found that a robot’s ability to reliably perform its intended function is the most significant predictor of whether humans will trust it. In other words, if a robot consistently completes its tasks as expected, humans are more likely to have confidence in the machine.

A similar but separate study by scientists in Sweden, Germany, and Australia, shed some light on how children in particular perceive, and trust robots compared to humans. The research revealed that children tend to trust robots more than humans, believing that when the humans in the study made mistakes they were doing so on purpose, while the robots were not seen as making intentional errors.

So, why is trust between humans and robots so important? Their potential applications in education aside, it is increasingly likely that robots will become ubiquitous in the workplaces of the future so if we can get our young people comfortable living and working with them early, it will make that transition much easier.

This is why we invested in Ameca. We want to use it to engage with people of all ages to try and demystify robotics, to break down the barriers often associated with the apprehension of interacting with a machine that looks a lot like you.

Ameca’s makers, Engineered Arts, designed Ameca so that it mimics human behaviour as realistically as possible, maintaining eye contact and using familiar facial expressions and hand gestures, which are part of how humans interact with each other.

The young people who visited today were clearly awestruck by Ameca. Their eyes lit up when they walked through the door and saw it for the first time, some grinning from ear to ear, one little girl’s mouth dropped open, another mouthed a silent ‘wow’. They were initially unsure how to interact with Ameca but after a little prompting the questions started to flow.

“Would you like to be human?”, “Can you feel emotions?”, “What is 1,000 plus 1,000?”, and even, “Ameca, do you like Taylor Swift?”. (Turns out it does, or at least “can appreciate the emotional depth of her music”.)

The children then drew pictures for Ameca to identify. Most were of simple things like apples, or a spaceship, which it was easily able to recognise. Impressively, it was also able to identify that one child had drawn more irregular than regular pentagons on their page. Ameca’s blatant cheating at ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’, however, making its choice after the child it was playing had revealed his, wasn’t so impressive.

By the end of the visit, the children were posing for selfies with Ameca, and a bond had clearly been formed. One little boy even returned to the room after a break, ran up to Ameca with his arms outstretched and shouted, “Ameca, it’s me, I’m back!”.

Ameca has limitations. It hasn’t been created to walk, for example, and does lose focus if too many people speak at once, so it won’t necessarily be the robot we find moving amongst us in the years to come but there is a higher purpose.

Research with school-aged children shows puppets , like a favourite doll or teddy bear, can encourage learning and improve communication and behaviour. Talking to a puppet, as opposed to a person, makes the conversation feel less personal and more pretend. It is a play-based technique sometimes used in therapy to help the child feel less self-conscious and open up.
We believe it’s the same with robots. In terms of interacting with artificial intelligence, for example, Ameca allows children to explore systems in a natural conversational manner, rather than battering questions into something like ChatGPT.

I think the questions the children were asking today showed their curiosity and interest in robotics and AI. That they so quickly adapted to Ameca was interesting, they were talking to it as if it was something more than a robot, as if it had a human personality. That’s a good sign.

Originally published in TES magazine on 24 July 2024.

“Robots to the Rescue: Safer, Smarter, Speedier Quality and Inspection Processes” – 8-11 July, Newcastle Racecourse

/in , , , , /by
Read more

‘World’s most advanced’ humanoid robot arrives at the National Robotarium

/in , , , , , , /by

A robot that can wink, laugh, and shrug is about to turn the National Robotarium in Edinburgh into its first home in the UK.

Ameca, which is made by British company Engineered Arts, will be used as part of the facility’s outreach work with school pupils and the general public to study humans’ reactions to robots.

The National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) based at Heriot-Watt University in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, has purchased Ameca, making it the first place in the UK to have this state-of-the-art humanoid robot.

Described by Engineered Arts as the ‘world’s most advanced’ humanoid robot, Ameca’s sophisticated features include embedded microphones, cameras, facial recognition software, and articulated motorised components which enable it to interact with people in a natural and engaging way. By showcasing Ameca’s capabilities through its public outreach and education programmes, the National Robotarium will seek to break down barriers and build trust between humans and robots.

Ameca will be utilised as part of the National Robotarium’s outreach and engagement programme, helping to build trust in robotics and improve adoption.

The facility’s dedicated public engagement team will feature Ameca at various events, school visits, and workshops across Scotland and beyond, providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to interact directly with the robot and learn about the latest advancements in robotics and AI.

Researchers will also utilise Ameca to study public perceptions and attitudes towards humanoid robots, gathering valuable insights to inform the development of future technologies that prioritise trust, transparency, and user-friendliness.

Steve Maclaren is Chief Operating Officer at the National Robotarium. He said:

“The arrival of Ameca at the National Robotarium marks a significant step forward in our mission to make robotics more accessible and relatable to the people of Scotland, the UK and beyond. Since opening our doors in September 2022, we’ve successfully hosted more than 50 in-person and virtual events and engaged with 1000s of school-aged children.

“Ameca represents an exciting opportunity to build on that success and take public engagement to the next level. By giving people the chance to interact with this state-of-the-art humanoid robot firsthand, we aim to demystify robotics, foster trust in human-robot interaction, and showcase the remarkable potential of these technologies to improve our daily lives and benefit society as a whole.”

Will Jackson is the founder and CEO of Engineered Arts Ltd. He said:

“We are incredibly proud to have Ameca join the many preeminent robots at the National Robotarium. Meeting an AI-embodied humanoid robot is a unique experience that very few people have witnessed and we are very excited to be able to share what can be a profound moment with a wider audience.”

The National Robotarium is part of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative, supported by £21 million from the UK Government and £1.4 million from the Scottish Government. The initiative aims to turn Edinburgh into the data capital of Europe and is part of the wider £1.5 billion Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal.

 

VEX Robotics Competition supporting young Scottish roboticists

/in , , /by

The National Robotarium is continuing its successful outreach and engagement work through its prominent support of the VEX IQ Robotics competition, an international contest sponsored by global tech heavyweights, including Tesla and Microsoft, to encourage budding roboticists to design and create their own innovative robot.

As host venue for the first event regional heats in Scotland since 2019, the UK’s leading centre for Robotics and AI welcomed 13 teams from 10 high schools to take part in an intensive battle, during which teams had to engineer innovative robotic solutions with a basic kit of components.

Teams from primary schools James Gillespie and Strichen were the overall winners and relative newcomers First Step Robotics, a community interest group from Livingston, also dazzled the judges to win the prestigious Amaze Award, which recognised their submission as the most outstanding, well-rounded, and best performing robot in the competition.

The winning teams will now take on other regional winners in the UK finals event taking place in Telford on 1-2 March. Over the two days, the finalists’ robots will be judged based on criteria including design, build, sportsmanship, and innovation, with the Tournament Champions securing a place at the ‘largest robotics competition in the world’ final in Dallas.

Blair Wilson, lead for Engagement at the National Robotarium will be attending the event with support from robot dog Spot. He’ll also be judging one of the categories. He said: “I am thrilled to join-up with VEX Robotics to support young people in Scotland in developing their robotics engineering skills.

“The National Robotarium is passionate about inspiring the next generation to become the roboticists of the future, empowering them to learn an entire range of STEM skills including maths, programming, computer science and engineering.

Blair Wilson

Blair Wilson, Engagement Lead at the National Robotarium

“That’s why we were so excited to host the Scottish heats and help provide the robotics kits to the teams to enable them to realise their vision.

“I’ll be at the finals to cheer on all our Scottish regional qualifiers as well as all the amazing UK teams that are taking part.”

WATCH the stream of the VEX Robotics Competition UK National Championships using this link, live from 0900 on Friday 1 March.

National Robotarium hits public engagement milestone as it celebrates 1st anniversary

/in , , , /by

Over 10,000 young minds have been inspired to consider a career in robotics, thanks to the significant public engagement activities fostered by the National Robotarium that aim to increase the representation of disadvantaged young learners.

The world-leading centre for robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) has successfully hosted over 50 in-person and virtual events at its facility in Edinburgh since opening in September 2022 with a host of industry and educational partners including Glasgow Science Centre and social enterprise group Datakirk.

With the aim of broadening access to revolutionary technology, the facility’s public outreach and engagement programme is building key skills and encouraging more young people from a wider range of backgrounds to consider starting a career in robotics, data analytics, and AI.

This summer [2023] also marks the 5th anniversary of the South-East Scotland City Region Deal. The National Robotarium is part of the £1.3 billion 15-year investment programme jointly funded by the UK Government, the Scottish Government, and regional partners.

Its pioneering £22.4 million facility is the largest and most advanced of its kind in the UK and acts as an innovation hub for the practical application of robotics and autonomous systems in industry and society.

Its objectives include partnering with various organisations including charities with a mission to increase the engagement of disadvantaged learners with the technology sector to tackle digital exclusion. The National Robotarium is also collaborating with groups that aim to encourage greater gender diversity among those applying to STEM subjects at university.

Sabaht Bashir is industry and schools engagement co-lead at the National Robotarium. She said:

“Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal which is helping to accelerate knowledge and cutting-edge technologies into Scotland and the UK’s economy.

“At the National Robotarium, we’re showcasing ways robots can help humans do things better, for the benefit of industry and society, and inspiring the next generation of roboticists and AI pioneers.

“The research our world-leading experts are conducting today to make our lives safer, healthier, and more productive will be the world that our young learners inherit tomorrow. It’s an incredible milestone to have engaged with so many young people from a range of diverse backgrounds since opening our doors last year. We look forward to continuing to work with schools and educators from all around the world to bring careers in robotics to life.”

Sabaht Bashir, Industry and Schools Engagement Lead

Libby Robertson, a year 6 pupil at Glasgow’s Knightswood Secondary School, said:

“The activities were fun and insightful about what robotics could do and have already done to the world we live in. The visit was so amazing that I’m now considering doing it as a future career choice.”

Gordon Cooper, Technical Teacher at Glasgow’s Knightswood Secondary School, said:

“The team at the National Robotarium were friendly and informative and our pupils had a great day enjoying the variety of experiences planned for them.

“The fully and semi-immersive reality activities were fascinating and showed our students the potential uses of these types of technology. The robotic dog was definitely the star of the day. All of our students were awakened to the possibilities on display, and many are now seriously looking into careers in this field. ”

Lauren Stalker, Curricular Leader of Computing Science & Digital Literacy at St Thomas of Aquin’s R.C High School in Edinburgh, said:

“I would highly recommend this trip for all students as seeing the robots in real life is a fantastic experience. The information shared inspired pupils to want to get into robotics and see possible career opportunities. All the students thoroughly enjoyed the virtual reality experience and getting to see a programming language they learn in school being used in that way.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Malcolm Offord, said:

“The National Robotarium is a prime example of how the City Region Deal is creating exciting opportunities, driving economic growth, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

“The UK Government is investing £21 million in the National Robotarium and more than £380m in levelling up across South East Scotland.”

Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary, Neil Gray, said:

“I congratulate the National Robotarium on its successful first year inspiring technological innovation and sharing those advances with young people to help seed the next generation of entrepreneurs. In 2021 the Scottish Government committed to supporting the development of ethical artificial intelligence as part of Scotland’s AI Strategy, which will be complemented by actions in the recently published National Innovation Strategy.

“Through the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal we are delivering a fair and sustainable wellbeing economy which aims to create even more good quality jobs.”

Jarmo Eskelinen, Executive Director of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative and South-East Scotland City Region Deal, said:

“The National Robotarium is one of six hubs at the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University offering a world-leading platform for data-driven innovation across ten industry sectors. As the DDI initiative marks its fifth anniversary, it’s fantastic to see the hubs developing as individual institutes and centres and very exciting to be working with them to explore joint opportunities in tackling societal and industry challenges.”

 

Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, Scotland
UK EH14 4AS

Scottish registered charity number SC000278

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland
EH8 9YL

Scottish registered charity number SC005336

Our Partners

 

Email: NationalRobotarium@hw.ac.uk
Find us: Map and parking info

© Copyright The National Robotarium - All Rights Reserved
Skip to content