techUK and members appointed to DSIT’s Robotics Advisory Group

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has officially launched a new Robotics Advisory Group (RAG).

This will serve as an informal advisory group, providing independent, expert advice and constructive challenge to senior officials and ministers around robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) policy.

The RAG, which will meet on a quarterly basis, replaces the Robotics Growth Partnership, which provided advice to the government since 2019.

Which organisations have been appointed?

A total of 16 individuals has been appointed from across the UK’s robotics ecosystem, spanning technology companies, entrepreneurs, universities, research centres, trade associations, and end-user organisations.

This includes techUK, which in September 2025 launched a brand-new Robotics programme to position the UK as a global leader in the future of robotics.

The programme has since gone from strength to strength, with Luke Lightowler joining to deliver and expand its activity, launch a member-only Robotics Working Group (on 1 April 2026) and publish techUK’s first ‘UK Leadership in Robotics’ report (on 27 April 2026).

Four techUK member companies have also been appointed to the RAG. These are Oxa, Airbus, Starship Technologies, and The National Robotarium.

You can view the full list of RAG members here.

How can organisations get involved?

Member companies with an interest in shaping UK government policy, strategy or regulation around robotics and autonomous systems are encouraged to share their priorities or asks with techUK, who will then ensure these are championed in the RAG’s quarterly meetings.

Please reach out to luke.lightowler@techuk.org to discuss how we can champion your company’s priorities or asks on the RAG, or to explore techUK membership.

I am incredibly excited to represent techUK on the government’s new Robotics Advisory Group and I look forward to using this as an opportunity to champion the priorities and asks of our world-leading robotics member companies. The fact that four members also sit on the RAG is testament to the breadth of robotics expertise within our membership.

Rory Daniels

Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation, techUK

The Robotics Advisory Group creation is a very positive move by DSIT to engage with all elements of the UK robotics ecosystem to hear first-hand what needs to be done to maximise the opportunities of robotics for the UK economy and society. I am personally looking forward to creating a robotics plan for the UK that embraces and maximises the benefits of robotics in all its forms.

Stewart Miller

Chief Executive Officer, The National Robotarium

Robots are already on our streets, in our communities, and reshaping how everyday services work. It's important that governments have policy frameworks that keep pace with that reality. The Robotics Advisory Group is an opportunity to make sure the UK gets the rules right from the start, drawing on the experiences of companies and sectors who have already navigated real-world deployment at scale. There's a huge amount to be gained for the country's health, wealth and well-being.

Lisa Johnson

Global Public Affairs & Corporate Communications, Starship Technologies

The Robotics Advisory Group (RAG) setup by DSIT is a pivotal initiative that brings together diverse expertise to drive the adoption of robotics across sectors. By fostering a constructive and focused dialogue between academia, technology companies, and end-users, the RAG will ensure that policy and strategy are informed by real-world insights. This collaborative approach is essential to provide the government with clear, actionable recommendations and pave the way for robotics to become an integral part of everyday life, ultimately benefiting the UK's economy and society.

Elie Allouis

Head and Advanced Concept and Robotics, Airbus Defence and Space Ltd

Robotics and autonomous systems offer a significant opportunity to boost productivity, reduce operational costs, and enhance workplace safety in industrial sectors. The RAG provides a fantastic forum, bringing industrialists, academics, and government together to realise these opportunities for the UK. Not only do these systems form a backbone technology for the Modern Industrial Strategy, but they also represent a major avenue for global export growth.

Robert Deaves

Product Manager, Oxa

You can find out more about the Robotics Advisory Group by clicking here.