Seizing the robotics opportunity
techUK’s first Robotics report is now live!
techUK has published its first Robotics report, which sets out how the UK can position itself as a global leader in robotics technologies and unlock significant economic growth.
The report follows a five-month focus on Robotics & Automation in which we 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.
About techUK
techUK brings together people, companies and organisations to realise the positive outcomes of digital technology. With over 1,100 members across the UK, techUK creates a network for innovation and collaboration across business, government and stakeholders.
In late 2025, techUK launched a dedicated Robotics programme with the intention of seizing the UK’s robotics opportunity. This brings together organisations from across the UK’s robotics ecosystem to shape the conditions for the responsible deployment of robotics technologies at both pace and scale. Activity consists of events such as workshops and roundtables, written and video thought leadership, and policy advocacy. The programme builds upon our five-month focus on Robotics & Automation, which ran from February to June 2025.
techUK also sits on government’s expert Robotics Advisory Group (RAG) and will work in close partnership with RAG members, DSIT and other government departments to help deliver the recommendations set out in this report.
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Our Team
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
Luke Lightowler
Luke is a Junior Programme Manager in techUK’s Emerging Tech and Innovation team. He works on techUK’s robotics programme, collaborating closely with members, policymakers and stakeholders to support the safe development, deployment and adoption of robotics technologies across the UK. Alongside this, he also contributes to the team’s wider work on emerging technologies.
