Report indicates UK can position as global robotics leader

The report follows a five-month focus on Robotics and Automation in which techUK convened and showcased the sector through roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking events, thought leadership pieces, and more. 

The report highlights a major opportunity for the UK to lead the next wave of robotics innovation and deployment.

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), sensing technologies, computing power and advanced materials are enabling increasingly capable, connected and autonomous machines. These technologies are already transforming sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture and infrastructure – improving productivity, enhancing services and enabling new business models. 

Analysis from the Robotics Growth Partnership suggests that widespread adoption of robotics and smart machines could contribute up to £150 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) over the next decade. 

The UK has world-leading strengths in robotics research, AI and innovation. However, the report argues that the key challenge is not innovation, but adoption. Many UK businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have yet to deploy robotics technologies, including proven, off-the-shelf solutions. Accelerating adoption across the economy will be critical to improving productivity and ensuring the UK captures the full economic value of its innovation. 

Real-world impact

Case studies from across techUK’s membership demonstrate how robotics is already delivering tangible benefits: 

• Siemens – AI-powered robotic picking software enables robots to identify and grasp unknown objects in milliseconds, improving logistics efficiency.  
• Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) – robotic systems for tunnel installation have delivered up to 40% productivity gains and 30% cost reductions, while improving safety.  
• Airbus Defence and Space – advancing robotic systems for space exploration, including satellite servicing, debris removal and autonomous assembly.  
• Oxa – has secured £103 million in funding to scale autonomous vehicle technology across sectors including heavy industrial logistics, light logistics and asset monitoring.  

These examples highlight how robotics is already delivering measurable gains today, while pointing to the wider opportunity available through increased adoption. 

Recommendations

The report sets out nine recommendations across five priority areas: 

Strategy 

• Recommendation 1: Recognise robotics as a frontier technology 
• Recommendation 2: Strengthen DSIT’s robotics capacity 
• Recommendation 3: Develop a Robotics Opportunities Action Plan.

Ecosystem and infrastructure 

• Recommendation 4: Ensure the robotics adoption hubs central convening body has sufficient power and influence to drive alignment and delivery 

Build 

• Recommendation 5: Drive the domestic development of robot hardware 

Deploy 

• Recommendation 6: Work with civil society to tell a compelling story about the robotics opportunity 
• Recommendation 7: Ensure the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) has the resource, tools, influence and long-term focus to get things done 
• Recommendation 8: Use public procurement strategically to drive adoption 

Scale and export 

• Recommendation 9: Ensure robotics is an explicit priority within the Government’s Scale-Up Support Service

The UK has built the foundations for the deployment of robotics at scale. This report is about what it will take to build the future on top of them. 

Commenting, Rory Daniels, head of emerging technology and innovation at techUK, said: "Something significant is happening in the world of robotics, and it is happening fast. The UK must double down on its areas of leadership and leverage these to support innovators, accelerate deployment, and empower our most successful companies to scale and export. 

"This report – put into practice through techUK’s new Robotics programme – will equip industry and government with the tools and understanding necessary to achieve this mission."

Download the report at:

www.techuk.org/resource/seizing-the-robotics-opportunity.html