On 15th July 2025, a few of the Active Digital team travelled to Edinburgh and had the unique opportunity to visit the cutting-edge National Robotarium, a £22million site where we explored the exciting world of robotics, artificial intelligence, and future technologies.
National Robotarium
The National Robotarium opened in 2022 at the Heriot-Watt University campus on the outskirts of Edinburgh in partnership with the University of Edinburgh. Among its main aims is to host start-up robotics and artificial intelligence companies and help them grow. The centre also works with industry partners in the large Robotic and Autonomous Systems Laboratory (RAS Lab for short), which is designed as a testbed to trial big new robotic ideas. Smaller labs are also available to industry partners, and to researchers.
Our visit included hands-on demonstrations, a behind-the-scenes look at state-of-the-art robotic systems and an interesting keynote from the National Robotarium CEO, Stewart Miller. During our afternoon at the centre, we were shown examples of the kind of robotic technology that will be tested and developed at the site once it opens for business later this year, including a demo by Boston Dynamics robot dog, Spot, which has been used by construction company, Robertson, to record and analyse vital data across the hazardous areas of the National Robotarium building site.
We then moved to have a glimpse of the new Assisted Living Lab. Conscious that these are challenging times for health and social care services, we discussed the pressure of an aging global population. The Assisted Living Lab emulated a real-life living environment for testing robotic solutions to support independent living in the home. We were able to see first-hand how the Robotarium is working with social care and residential homes to develop smart data systems and improving patient care or living alone, which affects millions of people worldwide.
For those looking to tackle loneliness or levels of anxiety, we saw and held some robots which have simply been built to be companions. Featuring an intelligent, customisable and connected design, Maah is akin to a living pillow or cushion. The first range of skins used for the outer cover of the robot were entirely made in Scotland, with yarns from the Shetland Isles that were then knitted in the Scottish Borders. Beyond the emotional support, which works by emulating pet-like behaviour, Maah integrates advanced health and wellness monitoring features through non-invasive sensing technology.
Image credit: Maah
By tracking patterns related to anxiety and distress, Maah contributes to improved well-being and health outcomes. It also supports the incredible ecosystem of professionals and families working and involved in the field by combining physical and digital support for better prevention and smart intervention.
Following the tour, we sat down with our host, Ant Morse, our AI consultant, for a round-table discussion that covered the progress in developing research. Stewart Miller, Chief Executive at the National Robotarium, said of our world standing developing robotics, “we are a long way behind.” He insists robots will enhance, rather than replace the human workforce, adding: “One of the big advantages of robotics is to fill the gaps that aren’t being filled right now.”
This building is not only a home to cutting-edge technology, automated systems, and laser labs, but is also a collaborative space for industry partners to work directly with us to develop and test their ideas. New companies come here to bring their innovative ideas to life and help drive the National Robotarium to achieve its goal to becoming a world-leading centre for robotics and AI.
Active Digital’s Head of Technology, Dan Walter commented, “The team and I have had such a fantastic, insightful day here at the National Robotarium. Experiences like this are invaluable. It is clear to see how passionate the leadership team are in driving innovation here in Edinburgh. We could see the vital role the Robotarium plays in bridging the gap between academic research and industry innovation. It was so inspiring to see what’s possible when imagination meets engineering. We are already looking forward to our next visit soon.”
Read more about Active Digital and Aventa’s partnership, helping you and your business navigate the furute of technology and AI https://www.activedigital.co.uk/ant-morse-the-future-of-technology/
