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The National Robotarium, the UK’s leading centre for robotics and artificial intelligence, hosted a Heriot-Watt University staff open day on 15 December.
The event was held to showcase the new facility to staff, many of whom were integral to its creation, design and development following funding from the UK and Scottish Governments as part of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative through the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal in 2018.
Over 250 members of staff signed up to tour the building’s specialist labs and watch demonstrations of how researchers are using its high-spec technology and robotic systems to test and develop solutions in the areas of Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS), Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) and Precision Laser Applications (PLA). Members of some of the research teams were on-hand to demonstrate cutting-edge robotic technology and share with guests how science at the National Robotarium can help industry and society be safer, healthier and more productive.
Also in attendance were members of University Court, who received a VIP tour from CEO Stewart Miller and PLA lead Dr Richard Carter, who led on the organisation and delivery of the event.
The £22.4m National Robotarium facility, created in partnership with Heriot-Watt and The University of Edinburgh, opened its doors on the Edinburgh campus in September 2022, becoming one of the University’s flagship Global Research Institutes (GRIs). The GRIs focus existing research strengths and capabilities to deliver pioneering and sustainable products and solutions to global challenges. As well as robotics and automation, global research areas are focused around earth and marine sciences, health and care engineering and achieving net zero through energy transition and decarbonisation
Watch this video to find out more about the event.