The National Robotarium forges new partnership with Robotekin

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.

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.”

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.”