Talking shop with robots: exploring the future at the UK Robotics Expo 2025

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the UK Robotics Expo 2025 – Creating a Robotics Nation at the National Robotarium in Edinburgh. It was the first event of its kind for the venue, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, innovators, and policymakers to explore how robotics and AI are transforming the way we live and work.

The Robotarium itself is an impressive space – buzzing with new ideas and collaboration. The event featured exhibitions, interactive demonstrations, and workshops covering everything from robotics in manufacturing to applications in healthcare, banking, and even space exploration. There was a real sense that the UK – and Scotland in particular – is stepping up its ambitions in this area.

Why robotics matters for businesses in our region

For me, attending the Expo wasn’t just about seeing cutting-edge technology (though I did enjoy testing out a few robots, including a dog robot that can be controlled by voice and headset!). It was about understanding how these innovations can make a practical difference to businesses here in the Highlands and Islands.

Many of the companies I work with in the sawmilling and timber sectors are already seeing real benefits from automation - higher productivity, increased efficiency, and safer working environments. Robotics is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a tool that’s helping rural manufacturers compete globally.

Across Asia, countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Japan have embraced robotics in almost every aspect of industry, from production lines to healthcare. Scotland has huge potential to follow suit – but we’ll only get there through continued investment, collaboration, and by ensuring our workforce has the right skills and safety measures in place.

Highlights from the event

One of the keynote speakers was Dave Starling from NatWest Group. He spoke about how financial institutions are preparing to support businesses adopting robotics and AI, with new funding options emerging across sectors including manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare. It was encouraging to see that major lenders recognise the growing demand for innovation finance – something that aligns well with the work HIE is already doing to help businesses modernise.

I was also particularly struck by how robotics is being used to improve quality of life – for example, in healthcare applications supporting people with reduced mobility, or robots working alongside humans to perform delicate surgical tasks. These technologies are designed not to replace people, but to enhance what we can achieve together.

Looking ahead – bringing innovation home

Events like the Robotics Expo are a reminder that innovation isn’t only for tech start-ups or big cities. The Highlands and Islands has always been a place of ingenuity and resilience – and robotics, automation and digital tools can help us build on that strength.

At HIE, we’re here to help businesses explore what’s possible. Our Innovation Service offers advice, expert support, and access to funding between £25,000 and £100,000. We can help you improve your processes, develop new products and services, or simply find smarter ways of working,

If you’re in the food and drink sector, our Food and Drink TechHUB provides tailored guidance help producers increase productivity and reduce emissions.

And for anyone looking to make sense of the fast-changing world of digital and AI adoption, I’d recommend this great recent blog from my colleague Theresa: Embracing our digital future in the Highlands and Islands for rural prosperity.

Innovation doesn’t have to mean building a robot from scratch. It’s about doing things differently – and better – to stay competitive and future-ready. If you’d like to find out how technology could help transform your business, have a look at our innovation support.