The National Robotarium’s Robotics Readiness Workshops are designed to help you assess where your business stands in terms of robotic adoption and equip you with bespoke tools to guide your journey. Whether you’re just starting or looking to future-proof your operations, this workshop will provide the insights and practical steps needed to integrate robotics effectively. We’ll help you identify your current readiness level and outline next steps tailored to your business, ensuring a smooth transition into robotics adoption.
Workshop format
Participation involves attending a half-day workshop at the National Robotarium.
Through interactive sessions, group discussions and real-world case studies, you will:
Discover how to adopt and scale robotics effectively.
Avoid common pitfalls and make smarter investments.
Leverage insights from The National Robotarium to address global industry challenges.
Eligibility
We’re seeking business leaders, operations managers, and decision-makers from companies of all sizes who are looking to understand how robotics can drive efficiency and innovation.
This workshop is also ideal for professionals involved in innovation or technical implementation, ensuring that those with a technical background in robotics can further explore its business applications.
After reviewing your application, our team will contact you and, if successful, invite you to complete a self-assessment taks ahead of the in-person workshop.
The National Robotarium and Robotekin – Basque Association for Robotics and Automation have forged a new global partnership to advance innovation, research and skills development in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS).
In July, the UK’s centre for robotics and AI at Heriot-Watt University welcomed a delegation from Robotekin, a not-for-profit consortium in the Basque Country, during which a Letter of Intent was signed by CEO of The National Robotarium, Stewart Miller, and Robotekin Director, Daniel Ruiz Corres. The letter outlines each organisation’s commitment to sharing knowledge and developing joint initiatives in areas including applied research and technology transfer, international projects, outreach and events.
[l-r] Daniel Ruiz Corres, Robotekin Director, and Stewart Miller, CEO of The National Robotarium sign the letter of intent (July 2025)
The delegation – which included Robotekin industry members Smartlog Group, Seaquenz, BIC Araba, Ikaslan, IKERLAN and DACO Ingeniería – followed a visit by National Robotarium Chief Operating Officer, Steve Maclaren, to Robotekin’s headquarters in Álava, Spain in December. During the visit, Steve presented on the National Robotarium’s holistic enterprise model that is advancing science in robotics and automation, and supporting early-stage technology companies. It was agreed that a reciprocal visit be arranged, paving the way towards a more formalised partnership.
Steve said: “Following my insightful visit to Robotekin’s headquarters last year, it was an honour to welcome the team and their associates to The National Robotarium. As well as getting a tour our state-of-the-art labs, the visit was hugely valuable in learning more about each other’s delivery models, and exploring opportunities to drive forward new collaborations.”
Steve Maclaren (centre) visited Robotekin in Spain in Dec 2025
Robotekin operates as a ‘cooperative ecosystem’, creating a link between R&D, education, manufacturing and user testing, rapidly driving new technological and business projects that address genuine industry and customer needs. The success of the Robotekin model could provide a blueprint for other nations looking to create a circular robotics supply chain that harnesses scientific excellence, private and government investment, and entrepreneurial spirit, manufacturing and production. Building a similar robotics ecosystem for Scotland is a key recommendation in The National Robotarium’s recent policy paper ‘Making Scotland a World Leader in Robotics’.
Stewart Miller said: “Scotland stands to gain significantly from a hub-and-spoke model like Robotekin. By acting as a physical hub for industry, government and science to work closely together on fast-tracking new robotic innovations, we not only benefit people’s lives but also create a driver for economic prosperity and talent retention.
“This partnership offers a valuable opportunity to explore alternative delivery models that could be key to securing long-term success for robotics in Scotland.”
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotekin-group-dinner-1000px.jpg7501000Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2025-07-31 17:19:342025-07-31 17:21:20The National Robotarium forges new partnership with Robotekin
A robotics firm based at The National Robotarium has reached a significant milestone by making its first commercial sale with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the UK’s leading technology innovation centre for offshore renewables.
Frontier Robotics, based at the UK’s centre for robotics and AI at Heriot-Watt University, has developed advanced visual sensing and autonomy technology for subsea robots which will now be deployed at several sites including ORE Catapult’s new simulation platform VDARE (Virtual Demonstration and Assessment for Robotic Environments) at its DARE (Digital, Autonomous and Robotics Engineering) Centre in Blyth.
The company’s state-of-the-art camera can be mounted onto a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to take true to life imagery of offshore assets such as wind turbines, and floating offshore wind platforms. These images are then incorporated into ORE Catapult’s VDARE simulation to create virtually ‘real’ assets.
Dr Jonatan Scharff-Willners, CEO of Frontier Robotics
The unpredictable nature of the world’s oceans makes the inspection and maintenance of offshore assets challenging, with visibility in murky waters a particular obstacle. By leveraging advanced sensor fusion techniques with edge computing, Frontier Robotics’ system offers enhanced visual clarity, robust and reliable positioning and 3D mapping through Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) technology.
SLAM enables ROVs to create comprehensive 3D maps of their surroundings while simultaneously tracking their own position within those environments, providing the foundations for automated and autonomous operations.
The new technology addresses critical challenges for the UK’s offshore wind sector, where more than 2,600 turbines across 43 wind farms require up to three maintenance checks annually. These operations can account for up to 20% of total offshore wind emissions through vessel operations and helicopter transfers. Improved monitoring will enable operators to make faster, better-informed decisions about maintenance operations, reducing both costs and carbon footprint.
Jonatan Scharff Willners, CEO of Frontier Robotics, said:
“Offshore renewable asset inspection is a very challenging and hazardous task in the energy sector. With the UK’s ambitious offshore expansion plans, innovative systems that enhance safety and efficiency aren’t just beneficial – they’re essential.
“This sale to ORE Catapult is really important and helps demonstrate the value of our technology to the market. We’re grateful to the National Robotarium for their support. Being based there, we have access to world-class facilities and exceptional engineering talent and that has accelerated our development timeline.
“Our vision is to become the default autonomy provider for underwater inspections globally, transforming how the industry approaches maintenance and monitoring, and this sale is a major milestone in our journey to delivering that vision.”
Ken Chan, Robotics Operation Lead at ORE Catapult, said:
“Our VDARE simulation platform has been created to accurately represent real world offshore assets and environments, with data integrated into our simulations that respond in real time.
“We have conducted underwater trials using robotics systems to map subsea environments, and have imported data mapping seabed structures, water clarity, temperature and salt levels to create interactive 3D scenes built on accurate, real-world measurements.
“Our mission is to de-risk offshore robotics and accelerate development timelines through affordable, modular, and scalable test environments, and the technology we are now using from Frontier Robotics is supporting us to do that.”
Lisa Farrell, Business Development Manager at the National Robotarium, said:
“Seeing Frontier Robotics develop from incorporation to now securing its first sale demonstrates what’s possible when we properly support innovation in Scotland’s high-growth sectors. Its success creates benefits that extend far beyond one company – strengthening our robotics ecosystem while helping critical industries like offshore energy operate more sustainably.
“The sale to ORE Catapult is a particularly exciting development for us as it coincides with our recent signing of an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with ORE Catapult and recent launch of the Blue Robotarium in Orkney, both of which mark our commitment to creating an industry-led robotics cluster and building robotic capabilities to advance the energy transition.
“This is exactly why the National Robotarium exists – to help promising technologies move from concept to commercial reality. We create an environment where talented innovators can access specialised resources rarely found in one location.”
The Frontier Robotics Advisory Board after their inaugural meeting at The National Robotarium
High-profile appointments to expert advisory board
To support its growth trajectory, Frontier Robotics has strengthened its leadership with the appointment of an expert advisory board. Simon Reeve, former Director of Innovation at the Alan Turing Institute and VP of Technology and Innovation at Lloyd’s Register, will chair the board.
He is joined by Mary Jane Brouwers, a highly regarded leader in the Scottish investment ecosystem with over 20 years of experience in early-stage equity investments. The board is completed by Professor Yvan Petillot, a renowned expert in robotics and autonomous systems at Heriot-Watt University, co-founder and ex CTO of SeeByte, and academic co-lead at the National Robotarium.
In addition to their commercial success, Frontier Robotics has bolstered its already impressive funding track record with two new funding grants. The first, from Scottish Enterprise, has seen the firm assess the development of photorealistic, 3D interactive models to significantly decrease the processing time of more commonly used photogrammetry techniques.
The second grant is from the AI Safety Institute for a project the company is working on with partners including King’s College London, and SeaBot Maritime. This project will build and test a training and competence framework to assure the safe and responsible use of AI and autonomy in marine environments and provide a mechanism for the maritime workforce to upskill and adopt the use of the technology as AI advances within the sector.
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/An-underwater-Remotely-Operated-Vehicle-for-inspecting-offshore-assets-.jpg7501000Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2025-07-31 11:13:062025-07-31 15:32:58Frontier Robotics secures first commercial sale with ORE Catapult
On Monday 13 January, UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, announced the AI Opportunities Action Plan an ambitious, 10-year programme to to capture the opportunities of AI to enhance growth and productivity and create tangible benefits for UK citizens.
In response to the announcement, CEO of the National Robotarium, Stewart Miller said:
“Today’s announcement of the AI Opportunities Action Plan represents a significant step forward for the UK’s technology sector. As the physical manifestation of AI in our world, robotics will be crucial to delivering the Government’s vision for AI-driven economic growth and public service transformation.
“At the National Robotarium, we’re already demonstrating how AI-enabled robotics can transform healthcare delivery, support offshore energy maintenance, and drive manufacturing innovation. The commitment to establish AI Growth Zones and increase compute capacity will be particularly valuable in accelerating the development and deployment of next-generation robotics solutions.
“However, to fully realise the £47 billion annual economic opportunity identified by the UK Government, we must ensure robotics is given equal priority alongside AI software development. The National Robotarium stands ready to support this agenda through our work in developing AI-enabled robotics solutions, training the next generation of robotics engineers, and helping businesses adopt these transformative technologies.
“We look forward to working closely with the Government to ensure robotics plays a central role in delivering the promised decade of national renewal.”
More about the AI Opportunities Action Plan
The AI Opportunities Action Plan, a set of 50 recommendations for government, was led by Matt Clifford CBE, tech entrepreneur and Chair of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).
This document has 50 recommendations for government to:
grow the UK’s AI sector
drive adoption of AI across the economy to boost growth
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/robotics-AI-stock.jpg5651000Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2025-01-13 16:05:202025-04-16 12:27:13Our response to The AI Opportunities Action Plan
The National Robotarium, the UK’s leading centre for robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Heriot-Watt University, is to be involved in the development of new products and services that help to advance the safe adoption of robotics in the public sector.
As part of round 11 of the CivTech Challenge, a Scottish Government programme that brings the public, private and third sectors together to create new innovations that can make people’s lives better, The National Robotarium and the Directorate for Digital aims to support the development of pioneering ideas that can enable greater adoption of new robotic and smart technologies in public organisations.
Any organisation, team or individual can respond to Challenge 11.8, ‘How can the public sector ensure a safe, secure and transparent adoption of robotics’, with the most promising solutions given the chance to access up to £1.2m in public contracts.
Full Challenge Information
Challenge Title:
How can the public sector ensure a safe, secure and transparent adoption of robotics?
Sponsored by:
The National Robotarium and Scottish Government, Directorate for Digital
Challenge Summary
Robotics is rapidly advancing and with ever-increasing capabilities there are massive opportunities to improve public services and so make people’s lives better. Unlike traditional IT systems robots interact with the physical world. This means that cyber-attacks can potentially result in not just data breaches, but also operational disruption, safety hazards and other harms. So, unless clear standards, assurance requirements and robust testing are established and in place, there are risks to robotics adoption at scale in the public sector supply chain.
So how can we ensure that robotic systems are resilient, trustworthy and capable of withstanding evolving cyber threats?
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Round-11-Hero-Landscape.png7201280Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2025-07-25 09:14:022025-09-08 10:59:37Submissions open for CivTech challenge into safe adoption of robotics – closes 2 Sept 2025
The National Robotarium, the UK’s leading centre for robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Heriot-Watt University, is to be involved in the development of new products and services that help to advance the safe adoption of robotics in the public sector.
As part of round 11 of the CivTech Challenge, a Scottish Government programme that brings the public, private and third sectors together to create new innovations that can make people’s lives better, The National Robotarium and the Directorate for Digital aims to support the development of pioneering ideas that can enable greater adoption of new robotic and smart technologies in public organisations.
Any organisation, team or individual can respond to Challenge 11.8, ‘How can the public sector ensure a safe, secure and transparent adoption of robotics’, with the most promising solutions given the chance to access up to £1.2m in public contracts.
CEO Stewart Miller with Robotics Engineer Coena Das
Chief Executive Officer of The National Robotarium, Stewart Miller, said: “Our mission at The National Robotarium is to build the UK’s presence in the robotics sector, support new technology companies in getting their robotic products to market, and encourage businesses to increase the use of robotic technologies in their day-to-day operations.
“A major part of this involves ensuring that companies feel confident in having more robots working side-by-side with humans, customers or other users, and that requires robust cybersecurity that protects their programming and automation.
“Through the CivTech Challenge, we have the opportunity to support the rapid advancement of new products or services that can protect robots – and businesses – from even the most sophisticated cyber-attacks, enabling a smoother transition to robotics adoption.”
Innovators, entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and established businesses interested in taking on the CivTech Challenge have until 2 September to submit their initial proposal via Public Contracts Scotland.
Hear Stewart discuss the challenge in more detail at: https://youtu.be/SrJM_IONP6E
Originally published in The Manufacturer on 9 December 2024, Stewart Miller, CEO of the National Robotarium, explains why the recently announced Industrial Strategy will be pivotal in supporting the UK’s potential to lead the global robotics revolution.
Imagine a near future where autonomous robots maintain vast offshore wind farms, where precision manufacturing systems collaborate seamlessly with skilled technicians, and where British-made robotics lead global innovation in healthcare, energy, and industrial automation. This future isn’t decades away – it’s within our grasp. But seizing it requires urgent action.
As the government sets out its vision for Britain’s industrial future, the stakes for manufacturing could not be higher. The sector currently accounts for 10% of GDP – increasing this to 15% would add £142bn to the economy. Achieving this transformation, however, requires modernising our manufacturing capabilities, particularly in robotics and automation where Britain lags dangerously behind global competitors.
With just 119 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees, the UK has recorded the lowest robotics adoption in the G7, trailing not only traditional competitors but emerging economies like Mexico and Turkey. While Asia installs 73% of new industrial robots and the EU maintains steady growth, the UK’s modest 3% growth rate signals concerning trends for our future competitiveness.
A missed opportunity
The economic stakes are enormous. The global robotics technology market is projected to surge to £283bn by 2032, representing a transformative opportunity that the UK must seize to remain competitive. Goldman Sachs forecasts humanoid robots becoming economically viable for factories by 2027, while countries like Australia and China are already racing ahead with ambitious national robotics strategies. Without decisive action now, Britain risks missing this opportunity entirely.
The implications for UK manufacturing are profound. Currently facing 70,000 sector vacancies, manufacturers are struggling not just with labour shortages but with reshoring opportunities that could strengthen domestic supply chains. Advanced robotics could enable this reshoring while creating thousands of high-skilled jobs across development, integration, maintenance, and manufacturing support roles.
Yet a critical mistake in current policy is subsuming robotics under artificial intelligence initiatives. While AI is crucial, robotics requires distinct strategic focus and investment. The technology’s physical nature demands specialised facilities for development, testing, and manufacturing – infrastructure that can’t be created through software alone. A standalone robotics strategy would help unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.
Accelerating innovation
The solution lies in developing comprehensive robotics clusters that integrate research, manufacturing, and skills development. Examples like the National Robotarium in Edinburgh demonstrate how dedicated facilities can accelerate innovation, with such centres becoming home to hundreds of robotics professionals, housing successful startups, supporting industry-funded projects, and engaging thousands in robotics education.
The vision for expansion includes ten new regional centres, each supporting specific industrial clusters and manufacturing capabilities. In the Northeast, a specialised centre could further develop offshore robotics capabilities, supporting both renewable energy and the oil and gas sector’s transition. The Northwest could leverage its medical technology strengths to pioneer healthcare robotics, from surgical systems to sterile manufacturing processes.
In the Midlands, a specialised centre could leverage the region’s automotive heritage to pioneer advanced manufacturing robotics, building on decades of expertise in production line automation. The South could build on its strengths in aerospace and defence, developing robotics for precision manufacturing and testing. Each centre would combine research facilities, testing capabilities, and training programmes to create innovation ecosystems serving the specific needs of their local industrial bases.
A network of this size and depth requires comprehensive support. A coordinated skills strategy must ensure the UK develops expertise to design, programme, maintain, and operate advanced robotics systems. This includes embedding robotics in education from primary school onwards, creating new vocational qualifications in robotics manufacturing, and integrating robotics modules into existing qualifications across health and social care, construction, agriculture, energy, and engineering.
The Industrial Strategy must also address procurement barriers, particularly within large state-funded organisations like the NHS, where complex pathways slow adoption of innovative solutions. Reform should include specific provisions for robotics adoption, similar to environmental impact assessments in public tenders. Additionally, cybersecurity frameworks must be established to ensure robust protection as robotics systems become more interconnected and integral to critical infrastructure.
As the Tony Blair Institute’s recent report on ‘next-wave robotics’ emphasises: “The challenge of responding is so urgent, the risk of falling behind other countries so great, and the opportunities so exciting, that nothing less will do.” The UK, with our track record in innovation and engineering excellence, has the potential to lead the global robotics revolution – but scaling these capabilities and realising our collective ambition requires bold policy vision and decisive government action.
We must choose: become an active producer of robotics technology, creating high-skilled jobs and driving economic growth across our regions, or remain a passive consumer as other nations seize the opportunities ahead. The evidence and urgency are clear. The Industrial Strategy must provide the framework for Britain to become a true robotics nation, turning our world-class innovation into world-leading industrial capability.
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/AdobeStock_804546185-scaled.jpeg18742560Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2024-12-09 10:46:232025-05-06 16:43:45Why 2025’s Industrial Strategy must close Britain’s manufacturing robotics gap
The National Robotarium welcomes the UK Government’s announcement of £40 million funding to create a network of robotics adoption hubs as part of the new Industrial Strategy, marking a pivotal moment in the UK’s journey towards robotics leadership.
This significant investment will establish specialist facilities across the UK designed to accelerate robotics adoption and innovation, demonstrating how our country can transform from a robotics consumer into a global producer and technology leader. The strategic importance of this initiative has been highlighted in both the UK Government’s Advanced Manufacturing strategy and the Technology Adoption Review, also published today.
The National Robotarium, a global research institute at Heriot-Watt University, has proven the transformative potential of strategic robotics investment. Since launching in September 2022 with £22.4 million in capital funding from the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, we have supported over 100 jobs, nurtured 14 innovative robotics companies, and engaged approximately 27,000 young people in robotics education, demonstrating the economic and social returns possible from focused robotics initiatives.
This new investment comes at a critical time. The UK currently ranks just 24th globally for robots per manufacturing worker, with Germany alone installing eight times more robots than the entire UK in 2023. The global robotics market is projected to reach £218 billion by 2030, representing enormous opportunities for countries that position themselves as producers rather than consumers.
The new robotics adoption hubs will focus on accelerating technology uptake and supporting businesses in understanding and implementing robotics solutions. This approach addresses the urgent need identified in the Industrial Strategy – that approximately 20,000 of the UK’s 27,000 manufacturing SMEs currently operate without robots, representing a massive untapped opportunity for productivity improvement.
International evidence shows that every £1 invested in R&D generates up to £7 in economic benefits. These new facilities will create high-skilled jobs, support innovative businesses, and drive productivity improvements while building the foundation for a thriving UK robotics sector.
Stewart Miller presents ‘Reaping the Rewards of the Robotics Revolution’ at the UK Parliament, March 2024
The robotics revolution is accelerating globally, and this investment positions the UK to move from the sidelines to serious contention. The National Robotarium stands ready to support this national effort and share our expertise to ensure these new facilities succeed in transforming the UK’s robotics capabilities.
As a proven model of successful robotics innovation, we welcome the opportunity to contribute to this nationwide expansion and help position the UK as a global robotics leader in the technologies that will define the future economy.
Stewart Miller
Chief Executive Officer
The National Robotarium
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Building-side-1000px.jpg15001000Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2025-06-23 16:09:092025-12-16 15:09:28The National Robotarium welcomes UK Government’s transformative £40 million robotics investment
The 2025-26 Scottish Budget was announced on 4 December 2024, which included a commitment to invest £321 million pounds in Scotland’s enterprise agencies supporting emerging tech, including AI and robotics.
Stewart Miller, CEO of the National Robotarium and leading voice in UK Robotics, has said in response:
“This significant £321 million investment from the Scottish Government to support emerging tech represents a critical step in securing Scotland’s position at the forefront of the global robotics revolution. As demonstrated by our pioneering work at The National Robotarium, robotics and AI technologies are already transforming industries from healthcare to offshore energy, and this additional commitment will accelerate Scotland’s ability to compete in a market projected to reach £223 billion by 2032. With the UK currently lagging behind other G7 nations in robotics adoption, this investment sends a powerful signal about Scotland’s ambition to lead rather than follow in the next wave of technological innovation.
“The timing of this support is crucial. Our experience shows that when we combine world-class research facilities with industry collaboration and skills development, we create powerful economic multipliers that generate high-value jobs and attract international investment. At the National Robotarium, we’ve already demonstrated how strategic investment in robotics can catalyse innovation, supporting successful startups and industry-funded projects that address critical challenges across health and social care, energy, and manufacturing. This new funding will help ensure Scotland can scale these successes, building the robust domestic capability needed to compete in the global marketplace while solving some of society’s most pressing challenges through technological innovation.”
“This investment aligns perfectly with the strategic vision for Scotland’s robotics economy that Robotics Scotland, a developing industry cluster organisation that supports Scotland’s robotics sector, has presented to the Scottish Government. With this commitment, we can now work to fully realise this vision, ensuring Scotland captures and maximises the transformative economic and societal benefits that robotics will bring to our nation.”
Stewart’s comments were featured in round-ups of the Budget by The Scotsman and FutureScot on 5 December.
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Ben-Glasgow-109.jpg13632048Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2024-12-05 12:45:232025-05-06 16:34:25Our response to the 2025-26 Scottish Budget announcement:
Scotland risks missing out on the global robotics revolution as other nations surge ahead in a market projected to reach £218 billion by 2030, but a major new policy paper published today (19 June 2025) by The National Robotarium shows how the country can still establish itself as a world leader.
Stewart Miller, CEO of the National Robotarium, a Heriot-Watt University Global Research Institute, has today launched the comprehensive policy discussion paper ‘Making Scotland a World Leader in Robotics’ warning that urgent action is needed to prevent Scotland from falling further behind international competitors, while outlining a clear pathway to robotics leadership.
“We’re at a critical juncture,” Miller said. “Countries like China, America, and Singapore are racing ahead in robotics adoption and innovation, while the UK ranks just 24th globally for robots per manufacturing worker. But Scotland has exceptional foundations that, with the right approach, could make us a global robotics powerhouse.”
CEO of the National Robotarium, Stewart Miller (credit Ben Glasgow photography)
The scale of the challenge facing Scotland, highlighted on the front page of The Herald when the policy paper launched, is sobering. Asia dominates with 72% of global robot installations, while Germany installs nearly eight times more robots than the entire UK. Denmark has become a robotics leader through strategic investment in collaborative robots and automation, creating a thriving ecosystem that attracts international companies and talent.
“Other nations aren’t waiting – they’re building robotics capabilities that will define their economic futures,” Miller explained. “While we’ve been developing excellent innovations, our European neighbours and countries like Australia have been creating the systems and support that turn innovation into economic leadership. We risk becoming developers of technology for other countries to commercialise.”
The policy paper highlights the stark reality of missed opportunities. Approximately 20,000 UK manufacturing SMEs currently operate without robotics technology, representing massive untapped potential. According to recent analysis, if UK automation levels matched leading countries, productivity could increase by 22%, potentially contributing £184 billion to the economy over the next decade.
The healthcare sector presents equally concerning gaps. While the global healthcare robotics market is projected to grow to £3.4 billion by 2028, Scotland struggles to translate its clinical expertise and innovation capability into systematic adoption, potentially missing out on £21.7 million in annual efficiency savings for NHS Scotland alone.
“We have companies like Edinburgh-based BioLiberty developing breakthrough stroke rehabilitation technology, but they’re launching in North American markets because we haven’t created the pathways for domestic success,” Miller said. “We’re funding innovations that primarily benefit other countries.”
Companies like Bioliberty have launched stroke rehabilitation technology Lifeglov (pictured) in North America due to lack of pathways to market in the UK
However, Miller’s analysis reveals that Scotland is uniquely positioned to reverse this trend and establish genuine robotics leadership. Unlike countries starting from scratch, Scotland possesses world-class research excellence, outstanding engineering heritage, and proven entrepreneurial spirit.
“The difference between concern and optimism is action,” Miller explained. “Scotland has all the ingredients needed – we just need to combine them more effectively. The National Robotarium has demonstrated what’s possible, supporting over 100 jobs and nurturing 14 innovative companies in less than three years. This success can be replicated and scaled.”
The policy paper identifies three sectors where Scotland can establish clear competitive advantages. The offshore renewables sector offers immediate opportunities, with robotics applications in wind farm operations alone representing a £341 million annual market by 2030. Scotland’s global leadership in offshore energy provides a natural platform for marine robotics excellence.
Healthcare presents extraordinary potential for Scottish innovation. With world-class clinical expertise and growing recognition among healthcare leaders of robotics possibilities, Scotland could become the global centre for healthcare robotics development.
Manufacturing offers perhaps the broadest opportunity, with Scotland’s expertise positioning it to capture significant market share as automation demand accelerates across thousands of ready-to-adopt businesses.
Stewart Miller (pictured with Robotics Engineer Coena Das) argues widespread adoption of robotics in UK manufacturing could lead to greater productivity and efficiencies
“Every challenge becomes an opportunity when viewed through the robotics lens,” Miller said. “NHS pressures could drive healthcare robotics innovation. Manufacturing skills shortages could accelerate automation adoption. Our offshore energy leadership could establish Scotland as the global centre for marine robotics.”
The emergence of embodied AI has created unprecedented opportunities for countries that move decisively. With over a hundred companies worldwide receiving billions in investment to develop genuinely human-capable systems, Scotland’s combination of AI expertise and robotics capability positions it perfectly for this next wave of innovation.
Miller emphasises that Scotland’s advantages extend beyond technology to include cultural and institutional strengths. The country’s collaborative approach between industry, academia, and government – exemplified by the National Robotarium’s ‘triple helix’ model – creates ideal conditions for rapid ecosystem development.
The National Robotarium’s track record provides compelling evidence of Scotland’s potential. Since launching in September 2022, the facility has become internationally recognised, with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change citing its model in their landmark October 2024 report on robotics leadership. The recent expansion to Orkney through the International Blue Economy Robotarium demonstrates how targeted sector focus can accelerate market leadership.
Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal of Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Heriot-Watt has a proud 200-year heritage of pioneering engineering and innovation that has shaped industries worldwide. The National Robotarium exemplifies our commitment to mobilising intellectual and capital assets for global impact. This policy paper demonstrates how Scotland can build on our university sector’s world-class research capabilities to establish genuine leadership in the technologies that will define the future economy.”
Deputy Principal of Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, Professor Gill Murray
The policy paper outlines a comprehensive vision for establishing Scotland as a global robotics powerhouse through four strategic initiatives:
Create Robotics Scotland as a national coordinating body to accelerate collaboration between research, industry, and international partners
Establish a National Healthcare Robotics Initiative to position Scotland as the global leader in medical robotics innovation
Launch a Marine Robotics Innovation Programme, leveraging Scotland’s offshore expertise to dominate this emerging market
Develop a National Robotics Skills Strategy, ensuring Scotland has the talent to lead across all robotics applications
Miller envisions these initiatives creating a virtuous cycle where Scottish success attracts international investment, talent, and partnerships, transforming Scotland from a country watching the robotics revolution to one leading it.
“We have all the building blocks in place,” Miller concluded. “Outstanding research through institutions like the National Robotarium, breakthrough innovations in technology, and world-class university capabilities. The question isn’t whether Scotland can become a robotics leader – it’s whether we’ll act quickly enough to make it happen.”
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robots-and-human.jpg5721000Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2025-06-19 11:06:142025-06-19 11:06:14Scotland risks being left behind in robotics revolution
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Google Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Other cookies
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
Ben Glasgow photography
