Visit to the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh campus: Thursday 20 February 2025.

Opened in 2022, the National Robotarium is a Data-Driven Innovation Hub, a partnership between Heriot-Watt University and The University of Edinburgh as part of the £1.6bn Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal, which is supported with funding from the UK Government and Scottish Governments aiming to make Edinburgh the digital capital of Europe.

The UK's centre for artificial intelligence, it is located on Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh campus where it creates innovative solutions to global challenges, working directly with industry to test and develop robotic, AI and automated technologies and rapidly move pioneering research from lab to market.

The centre fosters the teaching and development of the next generation of roboticists, producing highly-skilled graduates who are trained to conduct world-leading research with a market focus, and developing programmes to equip the current and future workforce with robotics, data and programming skills. It also delivers incubation and business acceleration support for start-up technology companies, providing them with access to labs, office space, equipment, and engineering expertise to develop their ideas, attract inward investment, and shape the future of robotics.

Jobs that are hard to fill because they are dull, dirty or dangerous can be ideal for replacement assistance from robots, which can help automate warehouses, undertake home deliveries, provide table service in restaurants, extend fruit-picking seasons fill labour shortages in the agricultural sector, monitor health conditions or enable frail people to continue living in their own homes. Clients are advised how a robot might meet their needs, but because the Robotarium is not selling any kit it is always honest in situations where robots might not be the best solution. In a warehouse environment their introduction can be made in association with the application of conveyor-belt layouts, boosting throughput and facilitating packaging. At airports robots can guide passengers and their luggage to where they need to be. Space based in Shetland is among the Centre's clients, for robots can perform in-orbit servicing and maintenance.

A cuddly robot "pet" can provide companionship in environments like student flats or oil-rigs where looking after cats or dogs might not be practicable. Visitors to the Robotarium are greeted by Ameca, an advanced, UK-made tall "lady" humanoid robot with engaging blue eyes who volunteers slightly surreal observations in whatever language she is addressed in. She is complemented by the human warmth of Lisa Farrell and her colleagues to whom CILT are most grateful for their insight into what the future might bring.

For more information visit the National Robotarium website and to keep up to date with events and developments see their Linkedin page.

Report by John Yellowlees.