The National Robotarium plays a crucial role in growing the UK’s robotics ecosystem and capabilities. We seek to augment the existing framework and provide a bridge to connect members of our network to world-leading science and technology, industry expertise, funding and investment, government, regulators and manufacturers, cementing the UK’s reputation as a main player in the global robotics community.
We offer business acceleration and incubation support to start-up tech companies, spin-outs and SMEs. As well as providing access to office space, labs, equipment and engineering expertise, we can act as a gateway to the Scottish and UK robotics network, research funding and Government support.
The National Robotarium is now home to over a dozen start-up robotics companies, providing them with incubation space and access to the facility’s state-of-the-art labs, technology and robotics expertise, aiding the development of their technologies and accelerating their business.
Touchlab Ltd are an Edinburgh-based start-up robotics company that are developing and manufacturing a biomimetic e-skin system that is thinner than human skin and can be used with hard or soft robotics to sense pressure, location and direction in real-time.
Their unique nanotechnology enables operators to experience ‘true presence’ through a machine whilst being able to withstand extreme environments and temperatures. It has been tested in a real-life hospital setting as part of a pilot in Laakso Hospital in Helsinki, Finland, where robots were used to carry out day-to-day clinical tasks, such as measuring vital signs, serving meals and moving assistive devices, all under the watch of experienced, purpose-trained staff.
Crover is on a mission to help grain storage operators reduce losses and maintain optimum storage conditions through the development of their unique t-shaped robotic drone. The compact device has in-built moisture and temperature sensors and uses two domed-shaped wheels to propel itself through grain and bulk stack silos, feeding back data on the environmental conditions. Founded by Lorenzo Conti, the company have received significant investment from Innovate UK, Scottish Enterprise and private funders to advance their technology, which could reduce the amount of commodity grain lost (currently 30% globally) due to lack of ventilation or pest infestation.
Bioliberty is an Edinburgh-based startup developing assistive technologies to enhance recovery and restore independence for people with mobility-limiting conditions. Founded in 2020, the company brings together expertise in soft robotics, digital health, and occupational therapy to create intelligent solutions that scale rehabilitation and help clinicians deliver high-quality, high-intensity care.
Its flagship platform, Lifehub Clinic, is built for inpatient and outpatient settings and currently supports upper limb rehabilitation through its patented soft robotic glove, Lifeglov. With multiple patents filed and a clinical trial underway, Bioliberty is rapidly advancing its mission to make tech-enabled therapy more accessible—both in clinics and at home.
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, Scotland
UK EH14 4AS
Scottish registered charity number SC000278
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland
EH8 9YL
Scottish registered charity number SC005336
