UK Government Minister for Scotland visits the Centre

UK Government Minister Robin Walker was given a tour of Heriot-Watt University’s world leading robotics facilities as he discussed progress on the creation of a National Robotarium.

The proposed facility, which is supported with £21 million from the UK Government, will be a world-class hub, developing and utilising the next generation of robot technology which has the potential to transform lives, industry and our economy.

It will provide a state-of-the-art base from which researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs and educators will deliver the UK’s leading international centre for the generation of new smart robotics companies, accelerating Edinburgh and Scotland to be at the forefront of this growing global industry.

Professor David Lane, Director, Edinburgh Centre for Robotics and ORCA Hub, said: “Our significant robotics research is already contributing towards the drive to revolutionise manufacturing, healthcare, offshore energy, construction, environmental monitoring and defence. The National Robotarium will place Scotland at the forefront of developing the future digital economy to serve society’s needs.

“We were thrilled to meet with Minister Robin Walker to share our ground-breaking work and discuss the National Robotarium’s progression.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Robin Walker said: “It was great to hear how the National Robotarium plans are progressing. Through projects like this, the City Region Deal will help develop Scotland’s world-class higher education and research sector, bring new opportunities and boost economic growth across Edinburgh and the South East of Scotland.

“The UK has a proud record as a world leader in technology and investments such as this one with the UK, Scottish and local government working together with innovative universities. This can build on Scotland’s proud record of innovation to ensure that we lead the world in embracing the opportunities of robotics.”

The Edinburgh Centre for Robotics (ECR) is joint venture between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh. It is set to become the UK’s National Robotarium, as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal which was formally signed on 7 August 2018. The National Robotarium forms part of the ‘Data Driven Innovation’ programme which aims to establish the Edinburgh City Region as the ‘Data Capital of Europe’.