CEO of The National Robotarium appointed to UK Government Robotics Advisory Group

CEO of The National Robotarium Stewart Miller, has been appointed to the UK Government’s new Robotics Advisory Group, established by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to provide independent, expert advice to government on robotics and autonomous systems.

The group brings together leaders from across the UK robotics ecosystem, ensuring that national policy is informed by real-world industry, science and, crucially, end-user experiences. Quarterly group meetings will be held in London, at the heart of the UK Government, and may on occasion be attended by Ministers, Chief Scientific Advisors or the National Technology Advisor.

The formation of a national robotics agency was a key recommendation by The National Robotarium in its policy paper ‘Reaping the Rewards of the Robotics Revolution’, which launched in UK Parliament in March 2024. The paper also outlined the urgency for advancing robotics adoption across the country through strategically-positioned hubs, mimicking the model of The National Robotarium as a driver to de-risk robotics development, accelerate start-ups’ route to market and stimulate economic growth. As a result the UK Government launched a competitive funding call for Robotics Adoptions Hubs, which are expected to roll-out from September 2026.

Stewart said: “The Robotics Advisory Group creation is a very positive move by DSIT to engage with all elements of the UK robotics ecosystem and hear first-hand what needs to be done to maximise the opportunities of robotics for the UK economy and society. I am personally looking forward to creating a robotics plan for the UK that embraces and maximises the benefits of robotics in all its forms.”

Alongside Stewart, members include:

• Izzy Webb (co-chair), DSIT
• Jenny Read (co-chair), ARIA
• Rob Deaves (vice-chair), Oxa
• Silas Adekunle, Reach Industries
• Elie Allouis, Airbus
• Seemal Asif, Cranfield University
• Rory Daniels, techUK
• Chris Gray, CMR Surgical
• Nick Hawes, University of Oxford
• Kirsty Hewitson, UKAEA
• Lisa Johnson, Starship Technologies
• Samia Nefti-Meziani, Birmingham University
• Simon Pearson, University of Lincoln
• Dave Swan, Tharsus
• Neil Tinmouth, ACUA Ocean
• Peter Williamson, Automate UK
• Mike Wilson, Manufacturing Technology Centre

Find out more about the group at: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/robotics-advisory-group