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
To mark National Engineering Day (13 November 2024), we have been speaking to our Robotics Engineers about their career paths, engineering role models and what a typical day is like at the National Robotarium…
Hsing-Yu Chen
Who’s your engineering role model?
One of my key role models in engineering is Morris Chang, the founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). His technical expertise, leadership and vision have revolutionised the semiconductor industry and made a huge impact on global technology innovation. His emphasis on long-term thinking, collaboration, and focus on excellence in manufacturing processes continues to inspire me in my own work.
What in your mind is an example of good engineering?
An example of engineering that truly inspires me is the development of reusable rockets. This breakthrough in space technology shows us the power of dreaming big and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The ability to reuse rockets—once thought to be impossible—has the potential to completely reshape the aerospace industry, opening up new possibilities for space travel and exploration.”
What is typical day like as a Robotics Engineer?
A typical day for a robotics engineer begins with problem-solving, addressing challenges and issues related to the robots they are developing. This entails brainstorming innovative solutions to optimize robot performance, troubleshooting both hardware and software components, conducting experiments to validate the robots’ functionality, and delving into data analysis. Given the collaborative nature of their work, engineers often engage in ongoing communication with team members and clients.
What skills are required to be a good engineer?
Beyond technical proficiency, being a good engineer relies on essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills, enabling the identification and resolution of intricate engineering challenges. Equally critical is a commitment to continuous learning and stay attuned with this rapidly evolving field, ensuring that engineers can adapt to new technologies and innovate effectively.
How does engineering improve people’s lives?
Robotics engineering plays a pivotal role in enhancing people’s lives in numerous ways. For instance, the creation of surgical robots and prosthetic limbs improves the quality of medical treatments and enhances the lives of patients. Autonomous vehicles not only increase transportation efficiency but also enhance road safety. Assistive robots simplify daily tasks, making life more convenient and accessible for individuals. These advancements underscore the transformative impact of robotics engineering on our daily existence and overall well-being.
How can engineering help us live and/or work more sustainably?
Robotic engineering offers substantial potential to enhance sustainable living and working in various domains. This can be achieved by automating industrial processes to boost efficiency, optimising resource utilisation to reduce consumption and lower carbon emissions, improving recycling rates through precise sorting, and monitoring environmental changes. These technologies have the potential to create a more environmentally friendly and resilient world.
Hari Lakshman
Who are your engineering role models?
The reason I pursued an engineering career was after watching an animated video about Nikola Tesla’s life. Reading about his work, dedication, and passion to keep inventing things inspired me to follow in his footsteps. Another inspiration in my life is Henry Ford, who taught me so much about tech business, optimisation, and efficiency.”
Can you give an example of good engineering that inspires you?
The pyramids are the first engineering marvel that blew my mind; it’s exhausting even to imagine the methods ancient people might have used to build such a magnificent structure. Another marvel is the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which enables scientists to collect data and images for space research. This incredible piece of engineering has revolutionised space science research.”
What does the role of Robotics Engineer involve?
Robotics engineers involve themselves in various fields of engineering. It is always a big learning curve, sometimes building robots feels like creating a human child. We have knowledge in coding, software development, and designing prototypes, which involves an extensive understanding of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and control systems. We try and implement cutting-edge machine learning and AI algorithms to make the robot more intelligent and more efficient. For me, I’m still learning lots and lots to become a fine-tuned robotics engineer.
What skills are required to be a good engineer?
Robotics engineers should have skills such as critical thinking and design thinking, programming, active learning, teamwork, safety skills and leadership qualities.
How does engineering improve people’s lives?
Engineering helps to improve people’s lives in every possible way: economically, and ethically, it helps to improve quality of life, solve societal problems, fight against climate change and more. At the National Robotarium, we use our engineering skills to build robots that can help people with physically or mentally challenging tasks, and improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Ronnie Smith
What is typical day like as a Robotics Engineer?
What you spend most of your time on day to day depends on your own role within the team. Some engineers can spend most of their day at a computer doing design or programming, while others might do largely hands on work building, extending, debugging, and maintaining robots. Since we tend to work on multiple projects at once, most days start by figuring out what to prioritise. For me, a typical day might involve some proposal writing, development work, project team meetings, and monitoring/debugging some of the robots we are testing as part of ongoing projects.
What skills are required to be a good engineer?
Since robotics is such an inter-disciplinary field, I think there is no fixed set of skills to be a robotics engineer. I think a good robotics isn’t necessarily someone who is an expert in all aspects of robotics, but rather someone who has their own strengths in a few core areas and who is interested in learning about the whole robotic system to the point where they can understand how everything fits together. This applies to myself, as I come from mainly a software background, but am keen to use my time at the National Robotarium to learn and become a more “rounded” robotics engineer.
How does engineering improve people’s lives?
Most of the time, when engineers are working on a problem it is in the name of improving our comfort, efficiency, safety, or our general quality of life. Robotics is a field which has the potential to touch on all of these aspects. In my previous role as a PhD student, we worked on assistive robotics and technology for older adults. Through user engagement we worked to understand the ways in which collaborative robotics can enable individuals to live in their own home for longer by automating aspects of daily tasks that might otherwise be impossible to complete alone.
How can engineering help us live and/or work more sustainably?
One of the main ways that robots can aid with sustainability is by being more efficient than the solutions that came before. What is meant by efficiency will of course differ across domains, but for example in manufacturing this might mean process efficiency which increases hourly output for the same or less energy. On the other hand, in agriculture it could be that increased precision in turn leads to increased efficiency, e.g., more accurate and targeted spraying of crops conserves resources.
Can you give an example of good engineering that inspires you?
I would look to the semiconductor industry and the advancement of the transistor-based processor over the past several decades as an example of inspiring engineering. Computers today are using billions of tiny transistors, manufactured at nanometre scale, to perform trillions of mathematical operations every second. This achievement has relied on back-to-back advancements and innovation across materials science, lithography, quantum physics, and of course computer and electronics engineers. To me, this is a shining example of human ingenuity and our ability to work together on a large scale to create technology that is so pervasive and seamless that we are able to take it for granted.
Rahul Ramachandran
Who are your engineering role models?
The Wright brothers and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam are two of my biggest role models. The Wright brothers’ achievement in creating the first successful powered airplane inspires me with their relentless pursuit of innovation and their ability to overcome doubt and failure. Similarly, Dr. Kalam’s perseverance and contributions to ISRO, especially his leadership in missions like India’s Mars Orbiter Mission, remind me of the importance of vision and hard work in achieving groundbreaking results. Both have shown me that with determination and passion, it’s possible to change the course of history.
Can you give an example of good engineering that inspires you?
One piece of engineering that really inspires me is the Moog synthesizer. What I love about it is how it simplified the complex technology of earlier electronic instruments, making it easier for musicians to use. The design is so elegant, and the way it combines innovation with simplicity was groundbreaking at the time. The Moog didn’t just change the way music was made; it made a complex tool feel accessible, showing how thoughtful design can open up new possibilities and spark creativity in unexpected ways.
What does the role of Robotics Engineer involve?
Robotics is an interdisciplinary field and because of that robotics engineer’s role depends on one’s engineering background, be it mechanical, electrical, computer science, sociology or applied physics. For example, a robotics engineer with a degree in Mechanical Engineering would work on the design and modelling of robot mechanics, whereas one with a background in electrical and electronics engineering would develop the robot’s battery management system and its sensors and actuators.
What skills are required to be a good engineer?
I believe that to be a good engineer, you must be able to understand the need for an engineering solution to any given problem. It’s not the “what” and “how” but the “why” that comes first.
Be curious, take inspiration from nature and question EVERYTHING! Analytical thinking is very important as is the ability to communicate effectively in a collaborative environment. It is helpful to have an engineering degree, but it is not always necessary if you have the proper knowledge and practical skills.”
How does engineering improve people’s lives?
We live in a world where everything we see has been engineered for us to live a better life, especially in today’s modern digital world, where everything is data-driven. We now have self-driving cars and text-to-speech solutions such as Okay Google, Alexa and Siri which enable us to make calls and play songs using voice commands.
At the National Robotarium, we are developing solutions such as unmanned underwater robots to undertake the inspection of offshore turbines, which is currently being done by deep-sea scuba divers. We are also improving the quality of life for many people doing repetitive tasks in factories by developing solutions for factory automation, which will enable people to safely undertake less repetitive and more skilled tasks side-by-side with robots.
As part of the 2025 UK Robotics Summer School, expert researchers at Heriot-Watt University are hosting a roundtable discussion on ‘Responsible Research, Innovation and EDI in Robotics and AI’.
Speakers include Associate Professor of Computer Science Dr Ioannis Konstas, Professor of Economics Cristina Tealdi and Professor of Psychology Thusha Rajendran.
This FREE session, taking place on 2 June, is open to ALL (sign-up required).
‼️ Roundtable discussion on responsible research and innovation, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Robotics and AI
📅 Monday 2 June
🕓 1600-1700
📍 HeriotWatt Postgraduate Centre, PG01
🎫 https://lnkd.in/e8-zeaSu
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Ben-Glasgow-134.jpg13632048Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2025-05-20 10:36:102025-06-09 13:53:45‘Responsible Research, Innovation and EDI in Robotics and AI’ – Monday 2 June
In a forward-looking vision for Scotland’s future, the recent Programme for Government highlighted the critical role of advanced technologies in driving our economic growth and enhancing our public services. At the heart of this vision, the National Robotarium was specifically acknowledged as a driver of innovation – signalling the government’s recognition of the role that robotics will play in Scotland’s technological and economic future.
This acknowledgment comes at a pivotal time for Scotland. As we strive to boost our GDP and increase productivity, the role of cutting-edge technologies like robotics becomes increasingly important. The government’s commitment to investing in innovation and advanced manufacturing capabilities demonstrates a readiness to back transformative initiatives that can shape our economic landscape.
The global robotics market is poised for explosive growth; expected to surge from $72 billion in 2022 to an estimated $283 billion by 2032. This represents an unprecedented opportunity for economic growth and job creation. Scotland, with its strong tradition of entrepreneurship coupled with its engineering excellence, is well-positioned to seize this opportunity.
However, to fully capitalise on this robotics revolution, Scotland must evolve from being merely an innovator to becoming a manufacturer. This shift is essential if we are to reverse the current trend where the UK lags behind in robotics adoption, with only a 3% growth compared to global leaders like China, which saw a 5% increase of nearly 300,000 robot installations in 2022 alone.
The path forward is clear: we need to establish comprehensive robotics clusters in Scotland – not just centres for research and development, but complete ecosystems that serve all supply chain needs for making robots. These clusters would bring together academia, industry, and government to foster collaboration, drive commercialisation, and create high-skilled jobs.
The Scottish Government has already taken steps in this direction. The recent announcement of a £35 million Manufacturing Property Challenge Programme by Scottish Enterprise is a prime example. This initiative aims to create 1,000,000 sq ft of new industrial space, equivalent to 14 football pitches, to increase innovation and Scotland’s attractiveness to inward investors.
This investment is crucial, as Scotland’s manufacturing sector currently employs around 170,000 people and is responsible for more than half of the country’s international exports. By creating new, high-quality manufacturing spaces, we can attract more high-value manufacturing to Scotland, driving economic growth and increasing productivity.
The benefits of investing in robotics clusters are already evident. As the National Robotarium marks its second anniversary, it has become a hub of fresh ideas, hosting hundreds of professionals and students, incubating exciting start-ups, and driving forward industry-funded projects. Imagine the impact if we could scale this model across Scotland, and indeed the UK, adding robust manufacturing capabilities.
The potential applications of robotics are vast and varied. In healthcare, for instance, researchers at NHS Lanarkshire’s Blantyre LIFE care facility are testing a ‘social robot’ named ARI, designed to aid patients recovering from critical injuries. This project aims to support the self-management of rehabilitation by patients, showcasing how robotics can complement and enhance human expertise in healthcare settings. The collaboration between roboticists and healthcare professionals at Blantyre LIFE demonstrates the potential for robotics to address real-world challenges in our healthcare system.
In the energy sector, our partnership with Fugro on the UNITE project aims to revolutionise the maintenance of offshore wind turbines, improving worker safety and operational efficiency. This directly supports our renewable energy ambitions while creating new, high-skilled jobs.
The success of the National Robotarium in Edinburgh provides a blueprint for what could be achieved not just in Scotland but across the whole of the UK. Our vision extends beyond Scotland’s borders, proposing a network of ten ‘Robotarium’ facilities throughout the UK, each specialising in different sectors and capabilities. This UK-wide network would create a powerful ecosystem of robotics innovation and manufacturing, positioning Britain as a global leader in the field.
To fully realise these opportunities, we need a two-pronged approach: first, building on the Scottish Government’s initiatives here in Scotland, and second, advocating for a coordinated strategy across the entire UK.
In Scotland, our immediate focus should be on investing in advanced manufacturing facilities specifically geared towards robotics production, developing targeted training programmes to build the necessary workforce skills, and creating incentives for businesses to locate their robotics manufacturing operations here. The triple helix of academia, industry, and government in Scotland is crucial to driving innovation and commercialisation, as is supporting Scottish robotics companies in accessing global markets.
Simultaneously, we must work with partners across the UK to replicate and adapt these successful Scottish initiatives, creating a cohesive national strategy that leverages the strengths of each region.
By taking these steps, we can become not just a consumer of robotics technology, but a producer and exporter.
The Scottish Government has shown foresight in recognising the importance of “deep tech” and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Now, we need to build on this vision with concrete action – creating an environment where robotics innovation can thrive and where that innovation can be turned into tangible products manufactured right here in Scotland.
As other nations race ahead in robotics adoption and manufacturing, time is of the essence. Scotland has the talent, the research capabilities, and the innovative spirit. What we need now is the manufacturing infrastructure and supportive policy environment to match.
By embracing this opportunity, we can ensure that Scotland is not just a bystander in the robotics revolution, but a participant and leader. As the UK government refines its industrial strategy, it must recognise what the Scottish Government already has: robotics is not just the future, it’s the present, and it’s an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. The robots are coming – it’s time for Scotland to build them.
This article originally featured in The Herald HQ Business Supplement on 3 October 2024.
Blair Wilson, Schools and Industry Engagement Lead, shares his reflections on the Scottish regional finals of the 2025 First Tech Challenge UK competition, which took place at The National Robotarium on 23 April
This week, The National Robotarium played host to the Scotland Regional Finals of the First Tech Challenge UK, one of the world’s largest robot competitions for 12-18 year olds. The regional event marked the culmination of our thriving partnership with the First Tech Challenge team which began – alongside sponsors at Hearts of Midlothian FC Innovation Centre – in December 2023, when I led a team of our robotics engineers to inspire the ten competing teams at an all-day, community ‘scrimmage’ event at Tynecastle Park, Hearts FC football ground.
Blair Wilson is Outreach and Engagement Lead at The National Robotarium
It was a big deal for the National Robotarium to be invited; the facility was just over a year old and I, along with my colleague Sabaht, had spent the past 12 months building an engagement programme for schools, industry and the general public. The programme had to not only help raise awareness of the positive benefits greater adoption of robotics and AI can have in our everyday lives, it also aimed to increase inclusion and diversity in computer science, technology, and other robotics-related STEM subjects, and address future skills gaps by building the UK’s robotics talent base.
The first Scottish scrimmage event, which was kicked-off (pardon the pun) with an inspiring introduction from our CEO Stewart Miller, was a day of creativity, building and operating rudimentary robots with the teams receiving demonstrations and advice from our engineers on everything ranging from automation to soft robotics.
Blair and Spot at the First Tech Scottish Scrimmage at Hearts Innovation Centre (Dec 2023)
Since then, we’ve hosted a number of First Tech events at The National Robotarium, including training sessions for teachers and volunteers. However, nothing we’ve done so far matched the levels of excitement brought by the regional finalists! Throughout the day, our Atrium space was vibrant; full of teamwork, community spirit and lots and lots of robots!
It was clear that each of the competing teams had put in a tonne of work in the lead-up to the contest. The innovation and creativity showcased in the robotic creations was incredible, with every one a serious contender. However, there could only be one winner, and P4F (Passion4Fusion) Robotics took home the Inspire Award for their robot ‘Shabalala’, meaning they will battle it out at the UK finals event, taking place in London on 26-27 June. An amazing achievement.
2025 Scottish Inspire Award winners Passion4Fusion Robotics
Since joining The National Robotarium, I have engaged with 10,000’s of young people, teachers, learners, community groups, robot enthusiasts – and, occasionally, robot sceptics! – showcasing and discussing robots, their capabilities and the types of exciting career opportunities these emerging technologies bring. Like the PC in the 80s and the mobile phone in the 90s, robotics will soon become part of everyone’s daily lives, and we need to ensure we have the skills, knowledge and understanding required for seamless integration and adoption.
Robots are not going to replace humans, but instead help humans’ everyday lives, taking on the dull, dirty or dangerous tasks, and, in the education sector, augmenting learning and teaching, so teachers can focus on the vital, human elements of the role; guiding, inspiring, and motivating young people to achieve their very best.
Whilst hosting events like the First Tech Challenge takes an enormous amount of work, they give young people an entry point to understanding how they operate and the limitless things they – the roboticists – can do with their help.
Get involved!
Thinking about joining the one of the UK’s most epic STEM challenges? Heart of Midlothian FC’s Innovation Centre are hosting an open Summer Showcase event in June (date TBC). Come along and meet this year’s First Tech Challenge teams, watch the robots in action, , and find out everything you need to get started ahead of next year’s contest, starting in September 2025.
We’ll be sharing more information on this exciting event soon but, in the meantime, you can email Blair for more info at: Blair.Wilson@hw.ac.uk
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/First-Tech-Inspire-Award-April-25.jpg7501000Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2025-04-25 14:32:472025-07-28 13:26:45BLOG: Leading the next generation of Scottish roboticists to the First Tech Challenge UK finals – Blair Wilson
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