COMMENT: How Scotland’s robotics revolution is going national

In a piece first published in The Herald Business HQ on 7 August 2025, Business Development Manager at The National Robotarium Lisa Farrell highlights how a new £40 million robotics strategy validates Scotland’s approach to robotics development

The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy announcement in June included a detail that represents a significant shift in thinking – £40 million in funding for a new network of physical robotics adoption hubs across the UK. For Scotland’s robotics sector, this wasn’t just welcome news, it was recognition of an approach we’ve long believed essential for economic growth.

The National Robotarium has been part of ongoing discussions about the UK’s robotics strategy, contributing insights from our experience building Scotland’s robotics ecosystem.

This comes at a pivotal moment. The Government’s Spending Review committed an unprecedented £120 billion to AI, research and development, and advanced manufacturing over the next five years, with £2 billion specifically targeting artificial intelligence implementation.

Yet, as we’ve consistently evidenced, AI alone cannot deliver the productivity breakthroughs the economy needs. Robotics provides what we call the ‘arms and legs’ of AI; transforming digital intelligence into physical capability that can manipulate the real world, automate manufacturing processes, and deliver services in environments too dangerous or precise for human workers.

This understanding is precisely why the new hub network approach makes strategic sense. The growing recognition among policymakers reflects a deeper understanding that utilising robotics is fundamental to the UK’s economic competitiveness.

Scotland has already demonstrated what’s possible with strategic robotics investment. The National Robotarium in Edinburgh, working alongside facilities like the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), has created a comprehensive innovation ecosystem which is supporting high-value jobs, nurturing innovative companies, and engaging young people in robotics education.

This proven approach is delivering real results. Companies like BioLiberty are developing robotic rehabilitation solutions, while Crover creates systems to reduce grain waste globally. The International Blue Economy Robotarium in Orkney shows how the model can be specialised for different sectors, exploring sustainable solutions for offshore energy and renewables.

This momentum is further reinforced by expanded programmes like Made Smarter helping manufacturing SMEs adopt digital technologies, alongside new investments across multiple technology initiatives. Scotland’s established infrastructure positions us to maximise these expanding opportunities.

This advantage is further amplified by the UK Government’s £750 million investment in Edinburgh’s new supercomputer. As a key delivery partner in this initiative, the National Robotarium is demonstrating how AI and robotics can work in lockstep and this collaboration shows how digital intelligence becomes economically valuable when it can control physical systems in the real world.

The new robotics hubs network represents the scaling of this proven approach. While other regions will be starting from scratch, Scotland has a three-year head start in understanding what works. We’ve already navigated the challenges of building industry partnerships, developing business support programmes, and creating pathways from research to commercialisation.

The economic opportunities are substantial.

Manufacturing robotics offers even greater potential, with the opportunity to address the UK’s position as the least automated country in the G7. Scotland’s offshore robotics market could reach £341 million annually by 2030, building on our renewable energy expertise.

What makes this moment particularly significant is that Scotland is positioned not just to benefit from the new national strategy, but to help shape its success. Our experience building robotics infrastructure, combined with our research excellence and innovative companies, means Scotland understands both the opportunities and challenges of scaling robotics innovation.

The £40 million represents just the beginning. As these hubs demonstrate economic impact, further investment will follow. Scotland’s early mover advantage, combined with our proven track record, positions us to capture a significant share of this expanding opportunity.

The challenge now is ensuring we make the most of what this creates. Scotland has the chance to become not just a participant in the UK’s robotics revolution, but lead it.

For businesses and policymakers ready to explore what robotics can deliver, Scotland’s expertise is here and available. The infrastructure exists, the knowledge is proven, and the conversation starts now.