The UK's national centre for robotics and artificial intelligence, hosted by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and built to move research into real use.
The National Robotarium is a research centre in Edinburgh that describes itself as the UK's centre for robotics and artificial intelligence. It is hosted by Heriot-Watt University and draws on the strengths of Heriot-Watt and the University of Edinburgh. Its work falls into three themes: robotics and autonomous systems, such as mobile robots, self-driving vehicles and underwater remotely operated vehicles for industries like manufacturing and renewable energy; human-robot interaction, including robots you can talk to and technology to support health, well-being and independent living; and precision laser applications, which range from micro-manufacturing to optical sensing.
The centre says its mission is to lead innovation in autonomous systems, advance uses in industry and develop human-robot interaction. It works directly with companies to test and develop robotics, AI and automated technologies, helping research move from the lab to the market. On its opening, a Heriot-Watt leader said that entrepreneurship and collaboration lie at the heart of the university's ethos, and the centre wants to bring academics and companies together, from global firms to start-ups. The university's page talks of a shared commitment to solving real-world challenges.
The National Robotarium opened officially on 28 September 2022 at Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh campus (postcode EH14 4AS). It is in a purpose-built building of about 40,000 square feet which cost 22.4 million pounds and was funded through the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal as one of six Data-Driven Innovation hubs. The building has laboratories, offices and flexible spaces, including a lab called LARA, the Laboratory for Robotic Assistive Living, where care technology can be tested. At its opening it announced a collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services on soft robotics, field robotics, co-bots (robots designed to work next to people) and remote-controlled systems, with social and elderly care named as an area of urgent need.
The centre's leadership at opening included Stewart Miller as chief executive, and Professor Yvan Petillot is named as co-director on the university page. Heriot-Watt says it holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, which recognises work on gender equality, and an Armed Forces Covenant Gold award; those relate to the university rather than the centre alone. The university also runs skills programmes in robotics, data and computer science.
People who work in a centre like this include robotics engineers and researchers, software developers, laser and sensor specialists, technicians, and the staff who connect the lab with companies. Subjects such as engineering, physics, computing and maths are the usual starting points. As with other university-hosted centres, some roles sit on the university's own staff lists, so check the Heriot-Watt and National Robotarium websites for how posts are organised.
Website: thenationalrobotarium.com
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