A new network of Robotics Adoption Hubs has been rolled out across the UK from today, Friday 9 October 2026. These hubs, backed by £40 million, aim to help businesses and public services adopt cutting-edge robotics technology.
The hubs, located in areas including Newcastle, the South West, Milton Keynes, and South Wales, will offer expert advice, tailored support, and real-world demonstrations. This initiative seeks to make UK businesses early adopters of robotics technology to boost productivity and growth.
Supported innovations include robotic surgical assistants, which could lead to less invasive surgery and quicker patient recovery times. Farmers are also expected to benefit from automated fruit picking machines, which could reduce harvest times and allow agricultural workers to focus on other tasks to maximise production.
Minister for AI Kanishka Narayan stated that harnessing robotics across the economy could speed up the reindustrialisation of the UK. Bruce Adderley, Director of Advanced Manufacturing at Innovate UK, highlighted the role of robotics in improving productivity, strengthening public services, and driving economic growth.