Leeds experts call for UK robot manufacturing to shift from research to reality
The UK leads in robotics research, but why aren’t we making more robots? A new white paper from academics at the University of Leeds and industry partners explores this critical question.
The UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) sector is a key part of the Industrial Strategy. It holds enormous potential to boost productivity and resilience, yet our ability to manufacture robots domestically remains limited. This reliance on imported components, particularly from Asia, creates supply chain vulnerabilities and constrains innovation.
Industry analysis shows the UK ranks 24th globally in industrial robot density, far behind other G7 nations. A survey of around 10% of UK firms actively making RAS revealed strong local fabrication for structural parts, but a lack of infrastructure for advanced components. The ecosystem is fragmented and disconnected, while viable UK alternatives often exist but are hard to identify.
Such were the findings of “Why doesn’t the UK make more Robots?”, co-authored with industry and academic partners by Professor Robert Richardson and Dr Sarah Field from the School of Mechanical Engineering. Together, the team recommends three strategic interventions:
- A National RAS Registry to connect companies, suppliers, and innovation partners, reducing isolation and strengthening supply chains.
- A RAS Component Adoption Hub, enabling testing, prototyping, and co-development of components to accelerate domestic adoption.
- Targeted skills development through apprenticeships, modular certifications, and secondments to address acute shortages in robotics expertise.
Circular economy principles, including design for disassembly, material transparency, and regional end-of-life infrastructure should underpin these actions. Together, these principles will position the UK as a global leader in robotics research, manufacturing, and the circular economy.
Professor Robert Richardson, who also serves as Director of Real Robotics, said: “The UK leads in robotics research, but lags behind other industrialised nations in robot making. It’s not enough to invent these machines; we need to be manufacturing them and doing that at scale.”
The Lord Harrington of Watford, Chair of Make UK and Member of the House of Lords – who provides the foreword to the paper – said: “The opportunity before us is significant. By acting now, we can boost productivity, strengthen our economy, and create high-value jobs in every region.
“This report sets out how we can make that happen – and why there is no better time to start than now.”
