From advanced manufacturing and offshore energy to logistics and healthcare, robotics and automation are transforming the way we work. Although Scotland already leads in many of these areas, the challenge now is to connect that expertise, share knowledge, and accelerate innovation through collaboration.
The Scottish Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Cluster Pilot is a national initiative designed to explore and define what the future Scottish RAS Cluster should be. Working with robotics experts and organisations across the country, the pilot aims to understand the needs, opportunities, and strengths of Scotland’s robotics ecosystem, laying the groundwork for a cohesive and globally competitive cluster.
The RAS Cluster Pilot team is working with stakeholders from across the robotics supply chain – including manufacturing, production and design, science, industry and public services – to grow one of Scotland’s most dynamic and innovative technology sectors.
The RAS Cluster exists to:
Contact us about joining the Scottish RAS Cluster by emailing: scottishrascluster@heriotwatt.onmicrosoft.com
Or join one of our three stakeholder engagement events being planned across Scotland in the coming months.
Q. What does the Scottish RAS Cluster aim to achieve?
The RAS Cluster exists to:
Q. Who is eligible to join the Scottish RAS Cluster?
We are looking to engage with any stakeholders in robotics, automation, AI, or digital manufacturing.
This includes:
Still not sure if you qualify? Drop us a line at: scottishrascluster@heriotwatt.onmicrosoft.com to discuss further.
Q. Why should I get involved with the Scottish RAS Cluster?
Engaging with the cluster offers access to a powerful national network designed to help stakeholders innovate, collaborate and compete globally through the adoption of robotics.
Q. I’m interested in being part of the Scottish RAS Cluster. How do I get involved?
Contact us about joining the Scottish RAS Cluster by emailing: scottishrascluster@heriotwatt.onmicrosoft.com
Or join one of our three stakeholder engagement events being planned across Scotland in the coming months.
Q. Why does Scotland need a robotics cluster?
Scotland’s rich legacy of technological innovations and world-leading science – from engineering to computer science and Artificial Intelligence – has established the nation as leader in research excellence, building state-of-the-art facilities and creating partnerships between academia and industry that generate genuine technological breakthroughs.
In recent months, Scotland has demonstrated its growing position as a hub for robotics however the challenge now is to translate research excellence into economic transformation, accelerating adoption of robotics across industry and the public sector and driving efficiencies, productivity and growth.
To do this, we must harness the brightest and best of robotics innovation in Scotland, identifying our strengths, where there are gaps, and how future investment should be strategically targeted to ensure Scotland can maximise its potential in the global robotics economy.
Q. Who is leading the Scottish RAS Cluster?
Led by The National Robotarium and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), the Scottish RAS cluster is supported by The Scottish Government as part of their ongoing support to increase innovation in advanced technology areas with huge economic value potential. This includes over £2 million to drive the growth of key innovation clusters which, alongside robotics, includes space, critical technologies, the built environment, FinTech and life sciences.
Find out more about how The Scottish Government is supporting high-growth innovation.
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
