Latest news with #NationalRobotarium
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland could be 'world leader': Heriot-Watt's National Robotarium
The 'Making Scotland a World Leader in Robotics' policy paper is being launched today by Stewart Miller, chief executive of the National Robotarium global research institute. Mr Miller warned that urgent action is needed to prevent Scotland from falling further behind international competitors, and outlined what he sees as 'a clear pathway to robotics leadership'. He 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.' Healthcare, offshore renewables and manufacturing are identified as 'three sectors where Scotland can establish clear competitive advantages'. The policy paper outlines a 'comprehensive vision for establishing Scotland as a global robotics powerhouse' through what are described as four strategic initiatives. It proposes the creation of 'Robotics Scotland' as a national coordinating body to accelerate collaboration between research, industry, and international partners. The second proposal is for the establishment of a national healthcare robotics initiative to 'position Scotland as the global leader in medical robotics innovation'. The paper also proposes the launch of a marine robotics innovation programme, 'leveraging Scotland's offshore expertise to dominate this emerging market'. And the fourth proposed strategic initiative is development of a national robotics skills strategy, 'ensuring Scotland has the talent to lead across all robotics applications'. Professor Gillian Murray, deputy principal of business and enterprise at Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University, said: 'Heriot-Watt has a proud 200-year heritage of pioneering engineering and innovation that has shaped industries worldwide. The National Robotarium exemplifies our commitment to mobilising intellectual and capital assets for global impact. 'This policy paper demonstrates how Scotland can build on our university sector's world-class research capabilities to establish genuine leadership in the technologies that will define the future economy.' The National Robotarium declared that 'the sobering international picture reveals the scale of the challenge facing Scotland'. It said: 'Asia dominates 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.' Mr Miller said: 'Other nations aren't waiting - they're building robotics capabilities that will define their economic futures. 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.' The policy paper highlights what is described by the National Robotarium as 'the stark reality of missed opportunities'. The National Robotarium highlighted the potential for Scotland to become a world leader in robotics amid a global revolution in this arena (Image: National Robotarium) Around 20,000 of 27,000 small and medium sized enterprises in the UK manufacturing sector currently operate without robots, 'representing a massive untapped opportunity for productivity improvement and economic growth', the paper states. It adds: 'If UK automation levels matched the world's most automated countries, productivity could increase by 22%. Over the next decade, robotics and automation technologies could contribute £184 billion to the UK economy, transforming our nation's manufacturing capabilities.' The National Robotarium declared 'the healthcare sector presents equally concerning gaps'. It added: 'While the global healthcare robotics market is projected to grow to £3.4 billion by 2028, 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.' Read more Mr Miller said: '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 added: 'We're funding innovations that primarily benefit other countries.' However, his analysis concludes Scotland is 'uniquely positioned to reverse this trend and establish genuine robotics leadership', the National Robotarium noted, adding: 'Unlike countries starting from scratch, Scotland possesses world-class research excellence, outstanding engineering heritage, and proven entrepreneurial spirit.' Stewart Miller, chief executive of Heriot-Watt University's National Robotarium (Image: Ben Glasgow/ National Robotarium) Mr Miller said: 'The difference between concern and optimism is action. Scotland has all the ingredients needed - we just need to combine them more effectively.' He declared the National Robotarium had 'demonstrated what's possible', supporting more than 100 jobs and nurturing 14 innovative companies in less than three years. Mr Miller added: 'This success can be replicated and scaled.' The National Robotarium said: '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 presents extraordinary 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.' The National Robotarium added: '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.' Mr Miller said: 'Every challenge becomes an opportunity when viewed through the robotics lens. 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.' The emergence of 'embodied' AI (artificial intelligence) has created 'unprecedented opportunities for countries that move decisively', the National Robotarium said. It added: 'With over a hundred companies worldwide receiving billions in investment to develop genuinely human-capable systems, Scotland's combination of AI expertise and robotics capability positions it perfectly for this next wave of innovation.' Mr Miller hammered home his view that Scotland's advantages extend beyond technology to include cultural and institutional strengths. He believes Scotland's collaborative approach between industry, academia, and government - 'exemplified by the National Robotarium's 'triple helix' model' - creates 'ideal conditions for rapid ecosystem development'. The National Robotarium declared its track record 'provides compelling evidence of Scotland's potential'. It added: 'Since launching in September 2022, the facility has become internationally recognised, with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change citing its model in their landmark October 2024 report on robotics leadership. The recent expansion to Orkney through the International Blue Economy Robotarium demonstrates how targeted sector focus can accelerate market leadership.'
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
How Scotland's new supercomputer project will prepare UK sectors for new AI frontiers
The recent news that Scotland will host the United Kingdom's most powerful supercomputer may have raised more than a few eyebrows, but its location could be transformative for many diverse industries. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... With a seismic £750 million price tag announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spending Review, the supercomputer is set to become the beating heart of the UK's bid to become a global artificial intelligence hub. The new supercomputer, which will be housed at the University of Edinburgh's advanced computing facility, is set to provide scientists throughout the UK with the tools needed to make calculations on an unprecedented scale with the help of vast computational power and access to artificial intelligence. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With the National Robotarium, also situated on the University of Edinburgh's campus, preparing to support the initiative as a key delivery partner, the supercomputer will become a component of a national effort to position Scotland as an innovative presence in the future of AI. view of Edinburgh from Calton Hill Pioneering the Human Side of AI Scotland has also become a powerful voice in the sustainable use of artificial intelligence at scale and is a pioneering nation in aligning AI with human rights. Thanks to research from the Scottish AI Alliance, the Alan Turing Institute, and the Children's Parliament, a new learning tool has been developed with the intention of educating artificial intelligence professionals to better understand how children's rights intersect with AI system design and decision-making. The learning tool, Why Children's Rights Matter: A Resource for Professionals, balances the potential of AI with its risks, showcasing Scotland's unique position as a technological pioneer as well as a nation that's conscious about the implementation of cutting-edge innovations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This follows a timely warning from Scottish AI expert Professor Richard Susskind, who suggested that the emergence of AI could be more disruptive than the invention of fire, agriculture, the printing press, or industrialisation. In uniting cutting-edge technologies with sustainable thinking, Scotland may be a fitting location for the UK's supercomputer project. Its impact will also help to create a widespread positive impression for a wide range of industries, including the marketing landscape. With 90% of Scottish SMEs claiming that they will invest in artificial intelligence in the coming years, marketing is set to be an industry that transforms on a fundamental level with the arrival of AI at scale. Ripe for AI Innovation The artificial intelligence boom has had a profound impact on the marketing landscape, both in Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Data suggests that almost three-quarters of UK marketers feel overwhelmed by how fast their roles are evolving in the age of AI, highlighting how important it is to find a sustainable solution to the disruption of such a transformative technology. One of the key considerations that leading marketing businesses must keep in mind focuses on retaining the all-important human touch when it comes to campaigns. According to a survey conducted by Ipsos, just 19% of consumers claimed that they would trust companies or brands more if they were to use AI more frequently in their marketing. The volume of those who would trust brands using AI less had also climbed from 30% to 40% in the span of six months. With Edinburgh and Glasgow gaining a reputation as two of the United Kingdom's most 'AI-savvy' cities, it's clear that Scotland is a place that can unite collaboration with AI tools in a way that can support a sense of brand authenticity and trust. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland is already packed with initiatives for the innovative minds of tomorrow and how they can tackle the challenges of AI in marketing. April saw applications open for the award-winning UNLOCKED Internship Programme for emerging creative talents nationally from marginalised ethnicities and low-income backgrounds as part of its 2025 iteration. Founded by John Doe Group and supported by a wide range of partners, the programme has won MarketingWeek's Talent Trailblazer Award and features 12 internship opportunities throughout design, advertising, TV production, marketing, PR, and digital communications. The programme will be key for gaining fresh perspectives on how to foster innovation in the marketing landscape in a safe manner that helps to retain consumer confidence in brands utilising AI. Embracing Technology Scotland's measured approach to artificial intelligence adoption could not only support innovation in marketing and other industry practices but also accelerate AI literacy in a way that benefits the United Kingdom as a whole. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With data suggesting that AI will create 133 million jobs by 2030, upskilling when it comes to AI will be a major challenge for many UK job roles throughout various sectors. While there are many excellent tutorials already available online that focus on bridging skill gaps when it comes to AI automation tools, it's essential that AI preparation initiatives are supplemented by focusing on comprehension among workers nationally. Building a Positive AI Culture In hosting the United Kingdom's new supercomputer, Scotland will play a crucial role in the government's plans to become an artificial intelligence hub. As a result, Scotland will not only become a pioneering force in emerging technologies but will also play an imperative role in the sustainable implementation of AI throughout the UK as a whole. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Given its history of supporting innovation and encouraging the measured use of disruptive tech like AI, Scotland is a fitting host for a supercomputer that could transform our relationship with artificial intelligence.
The Herald Scotland
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
How to make AI work for SMEs in Scotland
Why? Because the adoption gap isn't just technical, it's resourcing, skills, and fear of missteps. The risk of data leakage when using open AI platforms is real, and for small businesses without a CTO or data protection lead, the stakes feel too high. One mistake, an unintentional exposure of client information or commercial IP, and the verdict on AI becomes swift and damning: too risky, too complex: not for us. But there's another path. Rather than trying to out-build global tech giants on foundational models, we should focus on the application layer: building intelligent, domain-specific solutions for real-world tasks in professional services, manufacturing, construction, and every corner of the SME economy. This is where security, data residency, and usability matter most. The application layer is not a black box, it's an enabler, a multiplier of human potential. And it's where productivity gains lie, automating admin in accountancy firms, streamlining compliance for legal SMEs, or empowering trades businesses to quote, schedule, and invoice intelligently. To unlock this we need to support SMEs with AI adoption, and we must build an army of application layer AI specialists who understand both the tech and the SME business reality. These will be AI-empowered consultants, digital champions, and implementation experts who can deploy secure, right-sized solutions that work in the messy, fragmented, under-pressure environments where SMEs live. A Scotland that leads in application layer AI would not only boost productivity and competitiveness across our domestic economy; it would export that know-how globally, earning a reputation for practical, high-impact innovation. In AI world, six months of delay is like losing 3.5 years of competitive edge. We simply cannot wait for market forces alone to tease this future into existence. To stay in the race, Scotland must: Invest in SME enablement programmes , not just grand strategies. , not just grand strategies. Fund AI application bootcamps , fellowships, and placement schemes to develop AI practitioners for the frontlines. , fellowships, and placement schemes to develop AI practitioners for the frontlines. Establish secure AI platforms that SMEs can trust - with data controls, auditability, and domain-specific plugins. that SMEs can trust - with data controls, auditability, and domain-specific plugins. Promote success stories of safe, effective AI in everyday businesses, showing not what's possible in theory, but what's already working in practice. The National Robotarium and AI Scotland programme are the seeds of something powerful. But to grow them, we must now irrigate the fields - especially in the SME landscape, where the economic multiplier is highest and the support is lowest. Let's not wait for the future to happen. Let's shape it, securely and boldly, from the ground up. Dr Brian Williamson is the Chief Strategy Officer at Kreoh, specialising in the application layer of AI. Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@
The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- Science
- The Herald Scotland
Why creativity is key to realising Scotland's tech potential
It all feels like something that has been built to help bridge the present and the future, which makes sense, because this is the National Robotarium, a multi-million facility funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal. For many, the name will conjure up images of hermetically sealed, sci-fi inspired laboratories filled with men and women glued to code-filled computer screens. Some might assume that a place like this is concerned with theoretical advancements from people with narrow but hugely advanced specialisms. The reality is quite different. Ultimately, the people who come to work here every day are in the problem-solving business, and success is just as much about creativity as it is technical knowledge. In one section of the building, a full mock-up of an assisted living home has been created in order to explore solutions to existing, real-world problems. Idea to make life easier for people in need of support, such as assistance robots that can follow people around, or worktops that are automatically height-adjustable, are conceived, developed and tested here using some of the world's most advanced robotic and AI technology. Along another corridor, an expert is working on a medical diagnostic machine that will hopefully enable diseases such as Parkinson's to be detected much earlier; in a large workshop space, a team is developing an advanced machine to sort recycling more effectively and efficiently. Scotland has an extensive history in developing new ideas and technologies to solve problems, and many believe that it can once again be a world leader in the field, but the country is struggling to create the networks and pathways necessary to turn that dream into a reality. Problems with access to, and uptake of, some STEM subjects – especially Computing Science and Design & Manufacture – are well known, but some argue that a subject-specific solution to this particular real-world problem isn't the answer. According to Blair Wilson, Industry and School Engagement Lead at the National Robotarium, an alternative approach – project based learning – might be better suited to this particular task. He name-checks a number of such scheme – LEGO League, F1 in Schools, Vex Robotics – that allow students to combine their learning from various different subjects with their real world interests, before pointing out that the National Robotarium also hosts its own programmes: 'We have an event tomorrow called the First Tech Challenge. It allows students to explore subjects in an environment where you're in a team, so you're not necessarily failing if you don't understand something, and every year there's a different theme which relates to the real world. So you could be talking about archaeology, health, underwater science. The project takes your team through the whole engineering process, the whole design process, and includes things like fundraising, communication and teamwork. It teaches you in a way that is transferable to a working environment, because these are the things that happen in the real world of work.' 'I would say definitely the way that the world is going in terms of the world work, the careers available - coming out of high school with five A's in the Highers is great. But having a couple of Highers, and a skill set that is transferable to the world of work or to the world of college or university or apprenticeships, currently is probably a little bit more valuable.' Put simply, Wilson argues we don't need schools to create exam-answering machines with high grades – we need them to create learners with real interests and creative curiosity. Wilson points out that even at the very top of the field, creativity is vital. Disney, he explains, employs a team of 'hardcore roboticists' to develop technology for theme parks and films. Their job title is 'imagineer'. He explains that one of his colleagues, who is currently working on a type of pet-like robot to support and monitor people living alone, previously worked in high fashion, but that many of the creative and developmental skills he acquired in that industry transferred brilliantly to working in robotics and AI. In order for Scotland to realise its potential and take a leading role in a rapidly changing world, the country will have to produce people who can examine complex problems and conceptualise new solutions that cut across traditional divisions. Wilson says that we need people who are driven to 'explore', and who can be creative in the pursuit of solutions to real-world problems. 'But the key word there is create.'
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Can robots like Roxy revolutionise cancer surgery?
In operating theatre D at Glasgow's Royal Infirmary, gynaecological oncologist Dr Kevin Burton is directing four arms of a robot, affectionately named Roxy. The robot's mechanical arms, with surgical instruments attached to them, have been placed inside Dr Burton's patient through small cuts in the abdomen. The surgeon crosses the operating theatre to a console that would look more at home in an arcade and sits down. Dr Burton looks through a viewfinder and, with a joystick and foot pedals, he begins manipulating instruments. He is entirely in control of the robot as he cuts through tissue, avoiding important nerves and blood vessels as he searches deep into the pelvis for potentially cancerous lymph nodes. It is now more than five years since I first witnessed robot surgeons in action at the Golden Jubilee hospital in Clydebank. Surgeons say the contribution of robotic assisted surgery since then cannot be overstated. This week, First Minister John Swinney spoke at Scotland's National Robotarium to pledge that innovation and technology would be one of three key platforms for reforming the NHS. Artificial intelligence is the latest tool to assist with diagnostics, and a new digital app is promised to improve patient access. But what role might robots like Roxy play? Robotic surgery has been expanding in Scotland since it was first introduced in Grampian in 2015. Companies such as Versius, Mako and Rosa have supplied robots to health boards to assist with specialties such as thoracic, urology and pancreatic surgery. More recently some hospitals are using robots for orthopaedics. In 2021, the Scottish government invested £20m purchasing 12 da Vinci robots, primarily to develop cancer surgery, particularly in areas such as womb cancer or bowel cancer, the specialisms with the highest rates of open surgery. Surgeons say robotic assisted surgery (RAS) is transforming their ability to perform delicate and complex cancer surgery - with faster recovery for patients. But so far RAS is responsible for only around 1% of the total number of operations carried out on the NHS in Scotland and further investment would be expensive, with the cost of a da Vinci robot in the region of £1.7m plus running costs. Prof Graham Mackay is the clinical lead for the West of Scotland Cancer Centre and also a colorectal surgeon. He tells me that across Scotland they are seeing huge benefits from RAS. Rates of open surgery have dropped from about 70% to 30% in the past three years and it has almost halved the length of stay in hospital for patients, who also experience fewer complications. Prof Mackay says expanding the programme to other areas would help ease pressure on hospitals. "There are still a number of hospitals that don't have this technology," he says. "There are other cancer types which we're not treating yet by this and certainly from what we've seen in bowel cancer, this has really been the biggest step forward in surgical care that I've seen during my career. "What we want is that for all cancer patients, where they can benefit from it, to be benefiting." Isobel Morrison is one patient who has benefited from RAS. The 84-year-old required a hysterectomy to treat womb cancer but thanks to Roxy, was able to get home the day after her surgery in time to celebrate her 60th wedding anniversary. Isobel said: "I called him the Tin Man, and just said he'd done a good job. "I woke up, and didn't realise I'd even had it, "When the doctors happened to be in the ward, I said 'Excuse me, have I had my operation? And they said yes'. "So then I got home the next day, and I felt absolutely fine." Back in surgery and Dr Burton's operation has reached a delicate stage. Lymph nodes are cut away, and, still inside the patient's body, they are neatly put into a bag that will be removed by theatre nurses through the vagina. Dr Burton says the robot is "fantastic" and has "massive advantages" over traditional open or keyhole surgery. He says: "Robotic surgery gives you a really immersed close-up view, a really steady view, and has a 3D element to the vision which allows you do really complex tasks." He says higher obesity rates have been directly linked to an increase in gynaecological cancers and robotic assisted surgery enables surgeons to operate on patients who are so overweight that they would previously have been considered inoperable. Dr Burton says that without doubt RAS has the potential to save money for the NHS. "If we can get patients in hospital for less time, that frees up more beds for patients," he says. "So when you get a winter bed crisis, for example, we have more beds, we have more doctors and more nurses to actually deliver the care needed." In 2021, with post-pandemic backlogs mounting, the government saw robots as playing a central role in the remobilisation of the NHS. But technology moves fast and ministers need to choose which innovations will deliver most impact for less cost, when health board budgets are under more pressure than ever. The current plans talk of better use of data to increase productivity as well as innovations in genetic testing to better target of medications. Digital support for mental health, dermatology and the management of long-term conditions is also planned as well as a new Scottish health and social care app. So who can say whether more Roxies are set to join Scotland's NHS robot surgery team? The NHS robots performing major surgery Swinney pledges action to bring down NHS waits
