Robotics in the UK: securing a competitive edge in a transforming market

By Marc Ambasna-Jones 11 Dec 24 Reading time: 4 mins

According to Capgemini’s TechnoVision 2025 report, logical reasoning capabilities in generative AI will be a defining trend next year.

“Thanks to the increasing capabilities of logical reasoning in gen AI models, these will start operating more autonomously while providing more reliable, evidence-based outputs, and will be able to manage tasks such as supply chains and predictive maintenance without constant human oversight,” the report states.

These advances are set to empower robotics systems to operate autonomously, managing tasks like predictive maintenance and supply chain optimisation without constant human intervention. This evolution, combined with increasing global demand for automation, presents a transformative moment for robotics researchers and entrepreneurs looking for a tangible direction.

In 2025, these advancements are expected to extend beyond AI, significantly impacting adjacent technology domains such as robotics. Pascal Brier, chief innovation officer at Capgemini, says, “we see AI and gen AI having a major impact on companies’ priorities and also on many adjacent technology domains, such as robotics, supply chains, or tomorrow’s energy mix.”

The robotics sector has certainly grown rapidly. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reports a 51% increase in industrial robot installations in 2023, totalling 3,830 units. This growth was driven by the automotive industry, accounting for 50% of installations, and the food and beverage sector, which saw a 59% increase. However, the UK still lags behind European leaders, with only 28,831 operational robots compared to Germany’s 269,427 and Italy’s 96,803.

In terms of market potential, the UK robotics industry is expected to generate $1.76 billion in revenue in 2024, with service robotics contributing $1.54 billion. By 2029, the market is forecast to reach $3.92 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.37%.

Opportunities for researchers and entrepreneurs

Breakthroughs this year have already paved the way for integrating quantum computing into robotics. Insights from Quantum Motion, for example, highlight how quantum capabilities are enhancing robot navigation, optimisation, and problem-solving, offering a glimpse of the future.

As demand for automation accelerates, researchers and entrepreneurs should focus on sectors ripe for disruption, including:

• Healthcare: Assistive robots, surgical automation and diagnostic tools address workforce shortages and ageing populations.
• Agriculture: Automated systems for precision farming and autonomous weeding robots reduce reliance on labour and improve sustainability.
• Logistics: Robotic warehouse systems, such as Amazon’s swarm robotics, are transforming supply chain operations.

A report from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, A new national purpose: the UK’s opportunity to lead in next-wave robotics, highlights the need for strategic investment in robotics. Key recommendations include fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, prioritising robotics in healthcare and defence, and developing ethical frameworks for autonomous systems.

The report also underscores the critical juncture at which the UK stands regarding robotics innovation, saying that, “failing to act now will result in other countries reaping the largest economic benefits, with the UK having little influence over how the technology is regulated.”

The UK was the worst-performing G7 country for industrial robotic installations in 2023, a statistic that underscores the urgency required to compete.

To address these challenges, the report recommends:

• Mission-driven research: Emphasising the importance of targeted research initiatives to drive innovation in robotics.
• Improved support for start-ups: Advocating for better support structures to nurture emerging robotics companies.
• Open-source and modularised robotics: Encouraging the development and adoption of open-source platforms to accelerate technological advancement.
• Accessing talent: Highlighting the need to attract and retain skilled professionals in the robotics sector.
• Building digital infrastructure: Stressing the importance of robust digital frameworks to support robotics innovation.

The report also discusses the “crucial role of universities” in advancing robotics research and the necessity of “getting research funding right” to support long-term development. Of course it is a balancing act, but financial support is critical for scaling innovation, and government has to play its role in helping de-risk private investment – something at the heart of a recent announcement by Sir Patrick Vallance. A good example of this working in robotics is Coventry-based Expert Technologies Group, which secured a €1.4 million contract in Spain, with support from UK Export Finance and NatWest. 

While this demonstrates how partnerships between public and private entities can enable UK robotics companies to expand internationally, we need to see more in 2025.

Organisations like UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Innovate UK offer grants and funding programmes for robotics projects, supporting businesses in developing and deploying cutting-edge solutions. Investment will be tailored to solving specific problems. A good example of this is the XPRIZE’s competition for carbon removal projects.

But as CNN’s reporting of the recent international conference on humanoid robotics finds, the fascination with recreating ourselves remains strong.

While the UK is positioned to play a leading role in the robotics revolution, it will require bridging the adoption gap with European competitors, scaling innovations and leveraging government and private-sector support to really make it happen. By focusing on sectors with high automation demand, embracing new technologies like quantum computing and building a robust financial foundation, the UK has a chance to grow in this space and potential to be at the forefront of global robotics innovation.

Marc Ambasna-Jones / Editor-in-chief

Working as a technology journalist and writer since 1989, Marc has written for a wide range of titles on technology, business, education, politics and sustainability, with work appearing in The Guardian, The Register, New Statesman, Computer Weekly and many more.