The National Robotarium launches ‘future of UK robotics’ manifesto at UK Parliament

The National Robotarium launched an ambitious manifesto at an exclusive event at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, 5 March.

‘Reaping the Rewards of the Robotics Revolution: Making the UK an active player in the future global economy’ sets out a five-point plan for establishing the UK as a world-leader in robotics, including creating a Robotics UK agency to develop a national strategy, and investing in a UK-wide network of robotics centres inspired by the National Robotarium, based at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

Professor Richard Williams (Heriot-Watt University) and Stewart Miller with event sponsor Joanna Cherry MP

The policy document highlights the success of the National Robotarium model in driving increased productivity, efficiency and skills development through robotics, and outlines how it can be used as a blueprint to put the UK at the heart of the global robotics revolution, estimated to be worth $283.19 billion by 2032.

Sponsored by Heriot-Watt’s local MP Joanna Cherry, the event held at Parliament brought together key stakeholders from science, industry and policy to hear talks from Heriot-Watt Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Williams, National Robotarium Chief Executive, Stewart Miller, and an impressive roster of robotics start-ups – Touchlab Ltd, Crover, and BioLiberty – that are utilising the facility’s business acceleration and incubation support.

Chloe Smith MP provided a UK Government perspective

Former Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Chloe Smith MP, spoke on behalf of the UK Government, before joining Stewart, Professor Adam Stokes, Robotarium academic co-lead at partner institution The University of Edinburgh, and Director of the Robotics Growth Partnership Professor David Lane for an in-depth panel discussion and Q&A.

Stewart Miller said: “It is inevitable that robots will play a transformational role in the future of the world’s economy and society, and the UK needs to be on the front foot to embrace this change.

“By getting to showcase the ongoing success of the National Robotarium – which has already accomplished so much in its first 18 months – and speak directly to policymakers within the walls of Parliament, I am hopeful that decision makers will recognise this opportunity and adopt our ambitious plans that seek to move the UK from passive consumer to active player in the robotics market.

“But to prevent missing the opportunity to be a benefactor of this multi-billion-dollar industry, we must act now.”

Chloe Smith MP, Prof. David Lane, Prof. Adam Stokes and National Robotarium CEO Stewart Miller during the panel discussion

Event sponsor Joanna Cherry MP also spoke at the event. She said: