With the backing of funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), UKRAS-STEP will strengthen the UK’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems capabilities, improve the long-term career prospects of Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) and create stronger links between academia, industry and government.
Through a consortium of 37 universities within the existing UKRAS network, the project, led by University of Leeds Professor of Robotics, Robert Richardson, will deliver a programme of education across eight themes, designed to support the diverse range of technical expertise that currently supports world-class robotics research.
“Research technicians are the backbone of world-leading research into Robotics and Autonomous Systems, providing a wealth of technical expertise and operational support…”
– Steve Maclaren, Chief Operating Officer at the National Robotarium
Professor Richardson said: “Research Technicians in Robotics and Autonomous Systems play a pivotal role in advancing robotics research across various industry sectors in the UK, spanning from transport and healthcare to manufacturing and unmanned systems.
“Despite their amazing contribution, career growth opportunities are limited and as a result, some areas experience high staff turnover. UKRAS STEPS will establish a dedicated platform to address these challenges by facilitating the development of secondments, training programmes and mentorship schemes.
COO Steve Maclaren and Senior Technician Thomas McGravie
The National Robotarium will lead in formation of a number of task groups, each focused on addressing a particular challenge within the technical research sector. Through an open call, HEIs from the UK-RAS network will work together to deliver tasks ranging from small projects and producing training materials to holding national workshops and influencing policy through white papers.
“The UKRAS-STEP initiative will enable me and other technical research colleagues working in robotics across the UK to connect, share knowledge and best practice.”
– Thomas McGravie, Senior Technician at the National Robotarium
Chief Operating Officer at the National Robotarium Steve Maclaren will lead on the Task Groups work package. He said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the UKRAS-STEP programme and work with the RAS community to help advance training and opportunities for technical research staff.
“Research technicians are the backbone of world-leading research into Robotics and Autonomous Systems, providing a wealth of technical expertise and operational support that enable scientists to conduct research safely and effectively in an optimum research environment.
“Without them, we would be unable to maintain and manage essential research components such as robotic equipment, lab space, computer systems and software, so it is vital that our community of technical research professionals feel valued with opportunities to develop and grow.”
Thomas McGravie has been Senior Technician for Heriot-Watt University at the National Robotarium since it opened in September 2022. He said: “The UKRAS-STEP initiative will enable me and other technical research colleagues working in robotics across the UK to connect, share knowledge and best practice, and build upon our individual and collective skills.
“I’m excited to see the proposal come to life and look forward working more closely with the wider RTP community.”
About UKRAS-STEP
The UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Strategic Technical Platform (UKRAS-STEP), led by University of Leeds, is one of 11 new projects benefitting from a share of a new £16 million investment by EPSRC and UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) to improve the long-term career prospects of Research Technical Professionals (RTPs).
UKRAS-STEP will create a community-driven strategic technology platform that empowers individuals to develop, while building an inclusive community to enhance the UK research environment and support the delivery of world-class research in the UK.
Its three main objectives are:
i) To enhance individual technical knowledge, skills and career development amongst research technicians;
ii) Provide opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing, community-driven activities, celebrating and promotion success, international collaboration and national advocacy;
iii) Deliver a flagship programme that is inclusive, ethical and sustainable.
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/1000002836.jpg17342312Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2024-03-18 11:04:362024-08-23 10:51:06The National Robotarium to support robotics technician development across UK
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/C_Locher_NR_HoP_DSC_8409_sm-e1709809883982.jpg8551688Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2024-03-07 11:03:102024-04-08 16:07:55The National Robotarium launches ‘future of UK robotics’ manifesto at UK Parliament
The National Robotarium is continuing its successful outreach and engagement work through its prominent support of the VEX IQ Robotics competition, an international contest sponsored by global tech heavyweights, including Tesla and Microsoft, to encourage budding roboticists to design and create their own innovative robot.
As host venue for the first event regional heats in Scotland since 2019, the UK’s leading centre for Robotics and AI welcomed 13 teams from 10 high schools to take part in an intensive battle, during which teams had to engineer innovative robotic solutions with a basic kit of components.
Teams from primary schools James Gillespie and Strichen were the overall winners and relative newcomers First Step Robotics, a community interest group from Livingston, also dazzled the judges to win the prestigious Amaze Award, which recognised their submission as the most outstanding, well-rounded, and best performing robot in the competition.
The winning teams will now take on other regional winners in the UK finals event taking place in Telford on 1-2 March. Over the two days, the finalists’ robots will be judged based on criteria including design, build, sportsmanship, and innovation, with the Tournament Champions securing a place at the ‘largest robotics competition in the world’ final in Dallas.
Blair Wilson, lead for Engagement at the National Robotarium will be attending the event with support from robot dog Spot. He’ll also be judging one of the categories. He said: “I am thrilled to join-up with VEX Robotics to support young people in Scotland in developing their robotics engineering skills.
“The National Robotarium is passionate about inspiring the next generation to become the roboticists of the future, empowering them to learn an entire range of STEM skills including maths, programming, computer science and engineering.
Blair Wilson, Engagement Lead at the National Robotarium
“That’s why we were so excited to host the Scottish heats and help provide the robotics kits to the teams to enable them to realise their vision.
“I’ll be at the finals to cheer on all our Scottish regional qualifiers as well as all the amazing UK teams that are taking part.”
WATCH the stream of the VEX Robotics Competition UK National Championships using this link, live from 0900 on Friday 1 March.
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 UK’s leading centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, The National Robotarium, has launched a free professional development programme for businesses looking to adopt robotic technologies into their operations.
The Robotics Readiness Workshops, starting on 27 February and running throughout 2025, will offer industry leaders – from SMEs to global corporations – practical tips and expert advice to help them advance and de-risk the adoption of robotic, AI and automated systems into their business.
Since opening in September 2022, The National Robotarium has worked with a variety of industry clients, from sectors including offshore energy, healthcare, security, food and drink, and agriculture, creating new robotic solutions that can address labour shortages, improve efficiencies and reduce harm to the environment. Robotics and co-bots (humans and robots working together) can also improve working conditions for staff, easing workloads and removing them from hazardous environments.
Participants will attend a half-day workshop our award-winning centre for robotics and AI
Participants on the programme will attend a half-day workshop at The National Robotarium, a Data-Driven Innovation hub at Heriot-Watt University, funded in partnership with The University of Edinburgh as part of the £1.5bn Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal, after which they can continue their robotics adoption journey at the award-winning facility with access to cutting-edge labs and technology, engineering expertise, and business development support.
Prior to the workshop, they will have the opportunity to assess their existing understanding of robotic or autonomous technologies, allowing The National Robotarium delivery team to create a bespoke robotics roadmap, tailored to their sector, company size and business goals.
Business Development Executive Naomi Battison has led on the creation of the Robotics Readiness programme
Naomi Battison is a Business Development Executive at The National Robotarium and has led on the development of the Robotics Readiness programme. She said:
“We know that greater adoption of robotic and automated technologies can transform industries, improving efficiencies, supporting staff workloads and undertaking jobs that are no longer attractive or safe for humans.
“However, we also know that it’s difficult for traditional sectors to know what robotic systems are best for their business without testing them alongside their existing infrastructure and workforce.
“The National Robotarium’s Robotics Readiness Workshops are designed to help businesses understand how to integrate robotics effectively, providing bespoke tools to guide them on their journey.”
Stewart Miller is Chief Executive Officer at The National Robotarium and a leading voice in UK Robotics.
He said: “Private companies require accessible routes to adopt and integrate robotics technologies that boost productivity and overcome labour shortages.
“However, as is the case with any new technology, the initial investment may be prohibitive to businesses who aren’t yet sure what would work best for them and, up to this point, there is no government commitment to underwrite or support greater investment in robotics for the private sector.
“Our aim with our Robotics Readiness course is to remove this – often expensive – ‘trial and error’ element and instil confidence in business leaders to take their first, or next, step into robotics and automation, and help them future-proof their operations.
“The programme is also an integral component of our strategic vision to ensure the UK is equipped with the skills, technology and infrastructure to keep up with its global competitors capabilities, boosting productivity and economic growth.”
Find out more about the Robotics Readiness Workshops and register via Eventbrite.
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotics-workshop-e1737125607923.jpg6661001Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2025-01-30 00:01:572025-02-13 18:46:07The National Robotarium launches ‘Robotics Readiness’ programme for industry
Heriot-Watt University has been named as one of 29 new members joining the Turing University Network. The network provides institutes that excel in data science and AI the opportunity to engage with its broader network to advance world-class research that address global challenges. Heriot-Watt is home to the National Robotarium, a £22.4m centre for robotics and AI, created to produce new and innovative technologies to overcome real-world obstacles, boosting its credentials as a leader in the UK data science and AI landscape.
The Alan Turing Institute launched the network as a pilot in April 2023, with an open call for new members announced in early summer this year. It now includes 65 members across the UK, facilitating better connections and providing access to a bespoke network that encourages collaboration across the data science and AI ecosystem. The network is a key component of The Alan Turing Institute’s strategy and supports it in delivering its three overarching goals: to advance world-class research and apply it to national and global challenges, build skills for the future, and drive an informed public conversation.
Dr Jean Innes, Chief Executive Officer of The Alan Turing Institute, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome our new members to the network. We hope that they will benefit from being part of our data science and AI group and find opportunities for new, meaningful collaborations across the data science and AI landscape.”
Oliver Lemon, Professor in Conversational AI, and academic co-lead of the National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt’s Global Research Institute for robotics and artificial intelligence, said: “We are thrilled to be accepted into the Turing University Network, a prestigious consortium of universities dedicated to advancing world-class AI research with real-world applications.
“The National Robotarium was created to develop robotics and AI solutions that make a difference in the world. By joining the Turing University Network, we will be able to collaborate with other leading institutions and build on our collective expertise to create even more ground-breaking innovations.
“This partnership is a testament to the strength of our AI research programme and our commitment to using technology to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. We are excited to work with our fellow Turing Network members to make a positive impact on the economy, industry, and society.”
The full list of universities joining the network are:
•Aston University
•University of Aberdeen
•University of Bath
•University of Bradford
•University of Dundee
•University of East Anglia
•University of Essex
•University of Greenwich
•University of Hull
•University of Lincoln
•University of Portsmouth
•University of Salford
•University of Sussex
•University of Westminster
•University of York
•Birkbeck, University of London
•Coventry University
•Edinburgh Napier University
•Heriot-Watt University
•Lancaster University
•London Business School
•Loughborough University
•Manchester Metropolitan University
•Oxford Brookes University
•Sheffield Hallam University
•Swansea University
•The Open University
•University of Leicester
•University of St Andrews
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/TATI_UniversityNetworkLogo_Black-scaled-1.jpg25472560Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2023-10-02 09:01:002023-10-24 12:05:34Turing University Network: A Collaboration for World-Class AI Research
Heriot-Watt academics are working as part of a new network to create and catalyse robotics to support healthcare in the community.
The network, led by UWE Bristol, connects researchers, health and social care professionals, service users, regulators and policy makers, to encourage the use of healthcare robots to support people living with frailty in the community. The collaboration, called EMERGENCE, also includes Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam and Hertfordshire Universities.
The EMERGENCE network will explore how robots can be used to support people to better self-manage the conditions that result from frailty and, by providing information and data to healthcare practitioners, enable more timely interventions. This project is supported through a three-year £700,000 EPSRC NetworkPlus grant.
The EMERGENCE consortium will trailblazer research into assistive and rehabilitation robotics and recognises the urgent need to join forces and work systematically to develop a clear agenda and roadmap for healthcare robotics research in the UK. Its vision is to unite a fragmented research community and setup a sustainable framework for bringing healthcare robotics out of the lab and into the real-world.
The EMERGENCE consortium is a world class multi-disciplinary team that brings together expertise in healthcare technology research with innovative living lab testbeds from across the country, including the National Robotarium in Edinburgh.
Each testbed will collaborate with a regional academic health science network, care commissioning groups, integrated care systems, hospital trusts, as well as residential and community care providers and local authority councils. By bringing together their existing individual regional networks, EMERGENCE plans to create a strong national network.
Partners also include robotic companies Consequential, Cyberselves, and PAL Robotics, alongside Skills for Care UK, who will advise on understanding the care workforce’s future skills development requirements, with particular focus on the role of the social care workforce and the impact on their future learning and development needs.
Prof Praminda Caleb-Solly, from UWE Bristol, is leading the EMERGENCE network. She said: “Healthcare robots are increasingly recognised as solutions in helping people improve independent living, by having the ability to offer physical assistance as well as supporting complex self-management and healthcare tasks when integrated with patient data. The EMERGENCE network will foster and facilitate innovative research and development of healthcare robotic solutions so that they can be realised as pragmatic and sustainable solutions providing personalised, affordable and inclusive health and social care in the community.”
Dr. Mauro Dragone, an assistant professor and director of the Robotic Assisted Living Testbed (RALT) at the National Robotarium, based at Heriot-Watt University, is leading the work package on Workforce Education. He said: “It is vital that we identify gaps in the skills set of carers and therapists that might prevent them from using robotic solutions effectively and inform the development of training content to address these gaps. This will foster the regulatory, political and commercial environments and the workforce skills needed to make the UK a global leader in the use of robotics to support the government’s ageing society grand challenge.”
Utilising the consortium’s international links with partners, the network has already setup agreements to collaborate and bring international learning to help inform national developments. These include the consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging and AGE-WELL, the National Rehabilitation Centre, Seoul, South Korea and the Smart Life Care Co-creation Studio, Kitakyushu Academic Research City, Japan.
Former ISS astronaut and current CEO of XPRIZE, Anousheh Ansari delivered the keynote address at ‘Robotics Automation and AI – pushing the frontiers of human potential’, a special event held at the National Robotarium on 31 January.
The event, co-hosted by National Robotarium residents Touchlab Ltd., was attended by over 180 academic and industry professionals with many keen to share ideas to develop the use of robotics, automation and artificial intelligence for different industries, including the space sector.
Following Anousheh’s motivational talk on ‘fulfilling your potential’, attendees also heard from Stewart Miller, CEO of the National Robotarium, Dr Zaki Husseien, CEO of Touchlab Ltd, whose biomimetic e-skin system made it to the finals of the 2022 XPRIZE competition in California, and Professor of Robotics and co-academic lead of the National Robotarium, Sethu Vijayakumar.
Stewart Miller said: “I’m thrilled that we had the opportunity to host this special event at the National Robotarium, which was only made possible through the existing partnership we have with Touchlab, our first industry residents, who moved into the facility in October 2022..
“Events such as these are a great, and positive, example of what can be accomplished by forging strong connections and expanding the UK’s robotics network. At the National Robotarium, we are committed to advancing our knowledge and technologies within the robotics sphere, and supporting a wide range of sectors to ensure we can respond to future challenges and opportunities for the benefit of society.
“As Anousheh’s talk highlighted, anything’s possible if the will is there.”
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Anousheh-XPRIZE-event-at-NR-1.jpeg6671000Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2023-02-03 11:48:042023-09-27 17:54:39National Robotarium hosts exclusive robotics event with former ISS astronaut
The National Robotarium, the UK’s largest and most advanced research centre for robotics and artificial intelligence, was lauded as the ‘gold standard’ in a Scottish Parliament debate on the future of robotics technology in Scotland and the UK.
Led by Gordon Macdonald MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, where the National Robotarium is based as part of Heriot-Watt University’s campus in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, the debate on Wednesday 18 January received cross-party support, with ministers in agreement that the UK would greatly benefit giving prioritisation to growing its robotics skills, technology, and manufacturing capabilities.
As part of the discussion, available to watch at this link, ministers highlighted how the National Robotarium is exploring the use of new robotic technologies for solving industry and societal problems, sharing examples of current projects within the health and social care, renewable energy, and agriculture sectors. The centre’s approach to developing these robotic products and services based on user needs and feedback, which has proven to improve adoption and integration in people’s daily lives, was also commended within the chamber.
Governmental support to further grow Scotland’s leading science, engineering and technology centres, like the National Robotarium, which has received £22.4m funding from the UK and Scottish Governments as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, was agreed to be a positive step-change to improving the nations’ credentials as global leaders in STEM. Points raised during the debate were also in largely in favour of developing a strategic policy for the robotics sector, including factors such as testing and development, production, education, skills, ethics and regulation, to ensure the UK doesn’t continue to fall behind its global competitors.
Stewart Miller, CEO of the National Robotarium, said: “I’m grateful to Mr Macdonald for raising this important debate in Parliament and highlighting the work we’re doing at the National Robotarium to build skills and increase the adoption of robotics and AI across all sectors.
“Many of the points raised during the debate clearly illustrate how the expansion of robotics capabilities can positively impact both the economy and society as a whole. The National Robotarium is an important milestone in this story, however, only with increased government support and investment can Scotland and the UK fully realise its potential to become a leading knowledge base and potential manufacturing hub for robotics.”
Mr McDonald said: “I am delighted to be leading my members debate on the National Robotarium, the largest and most advanced applied research facility for robotics and artificial intelligence found anywhere in the UK and located here in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency.
“On a recent visit to the centre I saw first-hand the incredible work they are doing in their state-of-the-art facility and heard about the aspirations of the centre and indeed the opportunities for Scotland.
“The National Robotarium will be central in creating opportunities for companies to establish, develop and scale up, as well as meeting the future challenges of growth and manufacturing but it is imperative we have a trained workforce so planning for skills is crucial if we are to realise this industry’s potential.”
https://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/NR-at-Scot-Parl.jpg13012312Louise Jackhttp://thenationalrobotarium.com/wp-content/uploads/Robotarium.pngLouise Jack2023-01-20 11:51:242023-09-27 17:06:10The National Robotarium celebrated in Scottish Parliament robotics debate
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