Scotland risks being ‘left behind’ in the global robotics revolution because key sectors lack a domestic pathway to success, a leading expert warned today.
Stewart Miller, chief executive of the National Robotarium, has produced a four-point action plan to ensure the country can take its share of an industry expected to reach £218 billion globally by 2030.
The advanced robotics facility, attached to Heriot-Watt university, is fast becoming a hub for Scottish robotics companies to base themselves, as they seek to prototype, launch and scale new robotics innovations in multiple sectors.
However, many of the startups face obstacles in getting their products in domestic markets, such as the NHS, because of bureaucratic procurement procedures – and instead start to look for overseas customers.
That risks leaving intellectual property developed in Scotland, and the wider UK, being subsumed within overseas industries – where they can be commercialised and scaled.
Miller, a business leader with a background in the aerospace sector, said: ““We’re at a critical juncture. Countries like China, America, and Singapore are racing ahead in robotics adoption and innovation, while the UK ranks just 24th globally for robots per manufacturing worker. But Scotland has exceptional foundations that, with the right approach, could make us a global robotics powerhouse.”
Asia currently dominates the global market with 72% of global robot installations, while Germany installs nearly eight times more robots than the entire UK. Denmark has become a robotics leader through strategic investment in collaborative robots and automation, creating a thriving ecosystem that attracts international companies and talent.
“Other nations aren’t waiting – they’re building robotics capabilities that will define their economic futures,” Miller explained. “While we’ve been developing excellent innovations, our European neighbours and countries like Australia have been creating the systems and support that turn innovation into economic leadership. We risk becoming developers of technology for other countries to commercialise.”
Miller today launched a policy paper – entitled ‘Making Scotland a World Leader in Robotics’ – with a four-point strategic plan, which he hopes will be adopted by government.
The aim would be to:
- Create ‘Robotics Scotland’ as a national coordinating body
- Establish a National Healthcare Robotics Initiative
- Launch a Marine Robotics Innovation Programme
- Develop a National Robotics Skills Strategy
The paper identifies approximately 20,000 UK manufacturing SMEs currently operating without robotics technology, representing huge untapped potential. According to recent analysis, if UK automation levels matched leading countries, productivity could increase by 22%, potentially contributing £184 billion to the economy over the next decade.
In healthcare, the robotics market is projected to grow to £3.4 billion by 2028, but according to Miller, Scotland struggles to translate its clinical expertise and innovation capability into ‘systematic adoption’, potentially missing out on £21.7 million in annual efficiency savings for NHS Scotland alone.
“We have companies like Edinburgh-based BioLiberty developing breakthrough stroke rehabilitation technology, but they’re launching in North American markets because we haven’t created the pathways for domestic success,” he said. “We’re funding innovations that primarily benefit other countries.”
Miller’s analysis reveals that Scotland is uniquely positioned to reverse this trend and establish genuine robotics leadership. Unlike countries starting from scratch, Scotland possesses world-class research excellence, outstanding engineering heritage, and proven entrepreneurial spirit.
“The difference between concern and optimism is action,” Miller explained. “Scotland has all the ingredients needed – we just need to combine them more effectively. The National Robotarium has demonstrated what’s possible, supporting over 100 jobs and nurturing 14 innovative companies in less than three years. This success can be replicated and scaled.”
The policy paper identifies three sectors where Scotland can establish clear competitive advantages. The offshore renewables sector offers immediate opportunities, with robotics applications in wind farm operations alone representing a £341 million annual market by 2030. Scotland’s global leadership in offshore energy provides a natural platform for marine robotics excellence.
Healthcare also presents potential for Scottish innovation. With world-class clinical expertise and growing recognition among healthcare leaders of robotics possibilities, Scotland could become the global centre for healthcare robotics development.
Manufacturing offers perhaps the broadest opportunity, with Scotland’s expertise positioning it to capture significant market share as automation demand accelerates across thousands of ready-to-adopt businesses.
“Every challenge becomes an opportunity when viewed through the robotics lens,” Miller said. “NHS pressures could drive healthcare robotics innovation. Manufacturing skills shortages could accelerate automation adoption. Our offshore energy leadership could establish Scotland as the global centre for marine robotics.”
He adds: “We have all the building blocks in place. Outstanding research through institutions like the National Robotarium, breakthrough innovations in technology, and world-class university capabilities. The question isn’t whether Scotland can become a robotics leader – it’s whether we’ll act quickly enough to make it happen.”
