Scotland could be 'world leader': Heriot-Watt's National Robotarium

The Herald Scotland

19-06-2025

The 'Making Scotland a World Leader in Robotics' policy paper is being launched today by Stewart Miller, chief executive of the National Robotarium global research institute.
Mr Miller warned that urgent action is needed to prevent Scotland from falling further behind international competitors, and outlined what he sees as 'a clear pathway to robotics leadership'.
He said: 'We're at a critical juncture. Countries like China, America, and Singapore are racing ahead in robotics adoption and innovation, while the UK ranks just 24th globally for robots per manufacturing worker. But Scotland has exceptional foundations that, with the right approach, could make us a global robotics powerhouse.'
Healthcare, offshore renewables and manufacturing are identified as 'three sectors where Scotland can establish clear competitive advantages'.
The policy paper outlines a 'comprehensive vision for establishing Scotland as a global robotics powerhouse' through what are described as four strategic initiatives.
It proposes the creation of 'Robotics Scotland' as a national coordinating body to accelerate collaboration between research, industry, and international partners.
The second proposal is for the establishment of a national healthcare robotics initiative to 'position Scotland as the global leader in medical robotics innovation'.
The paper also proposes the launch of a marine robotics innovation programme, 'leveraging Scotland's offshore expertise to dominate this emerging market'.
And the fourth proposed strategic initiative is development of a national robotics skills strategy, 'ensuring Scotland has the talent to lead across all robotics applications'.
Professor Gillian Murray, deputy principal of business and enterprise at Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University, said: 'Heriot-Watt has a proud 200-year heritage of pioneering engineering and innovation that has shaped industries worldwide. The National Robotarium exemplifies our commitment to mobilising intellectual and capital assets for global impact.
'This policy paper demonstrates how Scotland can build on our university sector's world-class research capabilities to establish genuine leadership in the technologies that will define the future economy.'
The National Robotarium declared that 'the sobering international picture reveals the scale of the challenge facing Scotland'.
It said: 'Asia dominates with 72% of global robot installations, while Germany installs nearly eight times more robots than the entire UK. Denmark has become a robotics leader through strategic investment in collaborative robots and automation, creating a thriving ecosystem that attracts international companies and talent.'
Mr Miller said: 'Other nations aren't waiting - they're building robotics capabilities that will define their economic futures. While we've been developing excellent innovations, our European neighbours and countries like Australia have been creating the systems and support that turn innovation into economic leadership. We risk becoming developers of technology for other countries to commercialise.'
The policy paper highlights what is described by the National Robotarium as 'the stark reality of missed opportunities'.
The National Robotarium highlighted the potential for Scotland to become a world leader in robotics amid a global revolution in this arena (Image: National Robotarium)
Around 20,000 of 27,000 small and medium sized enterprises in the UK manufacturing sector currently operate without robots, 'representing a massive untapped opportunity for productivity improvement and economic growth', the paper states.
It adds: 'If UK automation levels matched the world's most automated countries, productivity could increase by 22%. Over the next decade, robotics and automation technologies could contribute £184 billion to the UK economy, transforming our nation's manufacturing capabilities.'
The National Robotarium declared 'the healthcare sector presents equally concerning gaps'.
It added: 'While the global healthcare robotics market is projected to grow to £3.4 billion by 2028, Scotland struggles to translate its clinical expertise and innovation capability into systematic adoption, potentially missing out on £21.7 million in annual efficiency savings for NHS Scotland alone.'
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Mr Miller said: 'We have companies like Edinburgh-based BioLiberty developing breakthrough stroke rehabilitation technology, but they're launching in North American markets because we haven't created the pathways for domestic success.'
He added: 'We're funding innovations that primarily benefit other countries.'
However, his analysis concludes Scotland is 'uniquely positioned to reverse this trend and establish genuine robotics leadership', the National Robotarium noted, adding: 'Unlike countries starting from scratch, Scotland possesses world-class research excellence, outstanding engineering heritage, and proven entrepreneurial spirit.'
Stewart Miller, chief executive of Heriot-Watt University's National Robotarium (Image: Ben Glasgow/ National Robotarium)
Mr Miller said: 'The difference between concern and optimism is action. Scotland has all the ingredients needed - we just need to combine them more effectively.'
He declared the National Robotarium had 'demonstrated what's possible', supporting more than 100 jobs and nurturing 14 innovative companies in less than three years.
Mr Miller added: 'This success can be replicated and scaled.'
The National Robotarium said: 'The offshore renewables sector offers immediate opportunities, with robotics applications in wind farm operations alone representing a £341 million annual market by 2030. Scotland's global leadership in offshore energy provides a natural platform for marine robotics excellence.
'Healthcare presents extraordinary potential for Scottish innovation. With world-class clinical expertise and growing recognition among healthcare leaders of robotics possibilities, Scotland could become the global centre for healthcare robotics development.'
The National Robotarium added: 'Manufacturing offers perhaps the broadest opportunity, with Scotland's expertise positioning it to capture significant market share as automation demand accelerates across thousands of ready-to-adopt businesses.'
Mr Miller said: 'Every challenge becomes an opportunity when viewed through the robotics lens. NHS pressures could drive healthcare robotics innovation. Manufacturing skills shortages could accelerate automation adoption. Our offshore energy leadership could establish Scotland as the global centre for marine robotics.'
The emergence of 'embodied' AI (artificial intelligence) has created 'unprecedented opportunities for countries that move decisively', the National Robotarium said.
It added: 'With over a hundred companies worldwide receiving billions in investment to develop genuinely human-capable systems, Scotland's combination of AI expertise and robotics capability positions it perfectly for this next wave of innovation.'
Mr Miller hammered home his view that Scotland's advantages extend beyond technology to include cultural and institutional strengths.
He believes Scotland's collaborative approach between industry, academia, and government - 'exemplified by the National Robotarium's 'triple helix' model' - creates 'ideal conditions for rapid ecosystem development'.
The National Robotarium declared its track record 'provides compelling evidence of Scotland's potential'.
It added: 'Since launching in September 2022, the facility has become internationally recognised, with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change citing its model in their landmark October 2024 report on robotics leadership. The recent expansion to Orkney through the International Blue Economy Robotarium demonstrates how targeted sector focus can accelerate market leadership.'