Lead, don’t follow in the robotics revolution

The next decade will transform how process industries operate. Imagine chemical plants where autonomous robots handle hazardous materials with unprecedented precision, pharmaceutical facilities where robotic systems maintain sterile conditions while performing complex filling operations, and offshore installations where robots inspect and maintain critical infrastructure without putting human lives at risk. This isn't science fiction - it's happening now, and the UK must decide whether to lead or follow.

In chemical processing, autonomous robots are already handling precise material measurements and repetitive mixing operations, allowing skilled operators to focus on process optimisation and quality control. The pharmaceutical sector is deploying robotic systems in clean rooms for contamination-free filling and packaging operations, enabling human specialists to concentrate on drug formulation and compliance oversight.

This proven model could help address the 70,000 vacancies currently facing the manufacturing sector… we can build a robust domestic workforce with the specialised technical skills industry needs

In oil and gas operations, projects in the North Sea demonstrate how autonomous robots can transform maintenance and inspection tasks for offshore structures. Food processing facilities are using robotics for high-speed sorting and packaging, while in rubber and plastics manufacturing, robots are taking on physically demanding tasks like heavy lifting and repetitive moulding operations.

To capitalise on these opportunities, the UK needs to develop comprehensive robotics clusters that integrate research, manufacturing, and skills development. The National Robotarium, the UK's centre for robotics and AI based in Edinburgh, demonstrates how this model works in practice. As we mark our second anniversary, we've established ourselves as a hub where industry collaborates with academia, where start-ups grow alongside established businesses, and where innovation flows from research lab to factory floor. 

This proven model could help address the 70,000 vacancies currently facing the manufacturing sector. By developing purpose-built facilities for robotics production and testing, while simultaneously creating training programmes for industrial robotics integration, we can build a robust domestic workforce with the specialised technical skills industry needs. This integrated approach offers an exciting opportunity to create high-value jobs and build long-term industrial capability.

The urgency is clear. Goldman Sachs forecasts that humanoid robots will become economically viable for factories between now and 2027, with the global market reaching $38 billion by 2035. Yet International Federation of Robotics data reveals the UK has recorded the lowest number of industrial robotics installations in the G7, falling behind less developed economies including Mexico, Spain, and Turkey. With just 119 robots per 10,000 employees in our manufacturing industry - described by the IFR as “very low for a Western European country” - UK process industries face a significant competitive disadvantage.

Humanoid robots will become economically viable for factories between now and 2027, with the global market reaching $38 billion by 2035. Yet International Federation of Robotics data reveals the UK has recorded the lowest number of industrial robotics installations in the G7 

We're not alone in recognising this opportunity. The Tony Blair Institute's recent report, A New National Purpose: The UK's Opportunity to Lead in Next-Wave Robotics, recommends exploring capital funding for a network of ‘robotariums’ - specialised innovation centres that, like the National Robotarium, would combine robotics research, development, and testing facilities under one roof. By establishing these centres across the UK's regions, we could create hubs of excellence for specific industrial applications, provide shared testing facilities, and build knowledge transfer networks between academia and industry to accelerate commercialisation of new robotics solutions.

As emphasised in the Blair report: “Given the profound implications for our country...we have urged all political parties to make responding to this technological revolution a New National Purpose. The challenge of responding is so urgent, the risk of falling behind other countries so great, and the opportunities so exciting, that nothing less will do.”

For process engineers and plant managers, robotics automation represents an opportunity to solve some of their most pressing technical and operational challenges. From enhancing safety in hazardous environments to achieving greater precision in complex processes, the benefits are clear. By automating what we call the three Ds - dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks - robots enable skilled process engineers and technicians to focus on higher-value activities that require human judgement, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

For the UK's process industries, maintaining our competitive edge in the global marketplace depends on choosing wisely today

This integrated approach - combining advanced manufacturing spaces, research and development capability, and skills development - offers an exciting opportunity to create high-value jobs and build long-term industrial capability. The result will be a new generation of technicians and engineers who understand both the practical applications of robotics and the specific needs of process industries.

The immediate priorities are therefore clear: invest in advanced manufacturing facilities for robotics production, develop our technical workforce, create incentives for businesses to locate their operations in the UK, and establish comprehensive robotics clusters that serve all supply chain needs.

The global robotics revolution is already transforming process industries worldwide. The UK, with our track record in innovation and engineering excellence, demonstrated through initiatives like the National Robotarium, has the foundation to lead this transformation. However, we must act now to translate our combined strengths into manufacturing capability, not just to keep pace but to set new global standards in process safety, efficiency, and innovation.

It’s a simple choice: become a world leader in both developing and deploying robotics technologies or watch as other nations seize the opportunity. For the UK's process industries, maintaining our competitive edge in the global marketplace depends on choosing wisely today.

Stewart Miller is CEO of the National Robotarium