UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Strategic technical Platform (UKRAS-STEP)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) will enhance every aspect of our lives, revolutionizing industries and transforming the way we live, work, and interact. The classification of RAS includes Advanced Robotics, Smart Machines, and Embedded AI. The UK market for RAS is forecasted to grow >40% per annum between 2020 & 2030, reaching almost £3.5 billion by 2030. The UK has world class research excellence in RAS enabled by research technicians undertaking tasks such as managing equipment, H&S, manufacturing of parts, and coding of software for robots.
The EPSRC UKRAS Network was established in 2015 and, since its formation, has provided academic and administrative leadership that has helped transform the UK's RAS research landscape, bringing the community together, strengthening areas of national importance and creating stronger links between academia, industry and government funding bodies. UKRAS has created a highly collegiate network that has grown to 37 university partners.
UKRAS STEP builds on this successful and established ecosystem within UKRAS, but focuses its efforts on the recognition, support and development of RAS research technicians (RT). Specifically, enhancing individual technical knowledge, skills and career development, as well as transforming the UK environment for research technicians through:
Enhancing Individual Technical Knowledge, Skills, and career development of RT in RAS in the UK.
Transform the UK environment for RT through networking, shared knowledge, community driven activities, celebrating and publicising success, international collaboration, and national advocacy.
Deliver a flagship programme that is professionally managed to be inclusive, ethical, programmatically sustainable, and environmentally conscious.
UKSTEP will cultivate a thriving, dynamic, and vibrant community of research technicians in the field of RAS. This community will not only support and elevate cutting-edge RAS research in the UK but also foster a sizable, highly skilled, driven, and esteemed research technician network.
The EPSRC UKRAS Network was established in 2015 and, since its formation, has provided academic and administrative leadership that has helped transform the UK's RAS research landscape, bringing the community together, strengthening areas of national importance and creating stronger links between academia, industry and government funding bodies. UKRAS has created a highly collegiate network that has grown to 37 university partners.
UKRAS STEP builds on this successful and established ecosystem within UKRAS, but focuses its efforts on the recognition, support and development of RAS research technicians (RT). Specifically, enhancing individual technical knowledge, skills and career development, as well as transforming the UK environment for research technicians through:
Enhancing Individual Technical Knowledge, Skills, and career development of RT in RAS in the UK.
Transform the UK environment for RT through networking, shared knowledge, community driven activities, celebrating and publicising success, international collaboration, and national advocacy.
Deliver a flagship programme that is professionally managed to be inclusive, ethical, programmatically sustainable, and environmentally conscious.
UKSTEP will cultivate a thriving, dynamic, and vibrant community of research technicians in the field of RAS. This community will not only support and elevate cutting-edge RAS research in the UK but also foster a sizable, highly skilled, driven, and esteemed research technician network.
Organisations
- University of Leeds (Lead Research Organisation)
- Alan Turing Institute (Collaboration)
- Henry Royce Institute (Collaboration)
- University of Sheffield (Collaboration)
- University of Bath (Collaboration)
- Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) (Collaboration)
- University of Tokyo (Collaboration)
- University of Warwick (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX (Collaboration)
| Description | Established a national community of over 600 Robotics and Autonomous Systems Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) across 60+ UK universities, creating a coordinated platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and professional development for technical specialists supporting UK robotics research infrastructure. We have created an online community platform. The Circle platform is the hub for connecting with fellow robotics technicians, chat groups & all things RAS tech. It hosts all our resources and opportunities allowing RTPs to stay up to date with our activities, events, and initiatives. More importantly to provide a way for relationships to build organically outside of the STEPS core team. This initiative was requested by many RTPs at our showcase in June 2026, and the platform was designed in conjunction with a focus group from the network. Launched in December 2025 it now has 140 active members and continues to grow. |
| Exploitation Route | The structure and operation of UKRAS STEPs is unique and is demonstrated to generate significant impact for individuals and the community. |
| Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Agriculture Food and Drink Construction Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Education Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| URL | https://uk-ras-steps.circle.so/untitled-page-5415 |
| Description | The UK RAS STEPS programme has established a nationally connected community of Robotics and Autonomous Systems Research Technical Professionals (RTPs), strengthening the technical workforce that supports robotics research infrastructure across the UK. The programme has engaged over 600 RTPs from more than 60 universities, creating new opportunities for collaboration, professional development and knowledge exchange among technicians working in robotics laboratories and experimental platforms. Six national Special Interest Groups, involving 400+ RTPs from 30 universities, have been formed to address key technical areas including automation, sustainable manufacturing, ROS software, and micro-robotics. Knowledge exchange placements across multiple institutions have enabled technical specialists to collaborate on shared challenges, while a new online community platform launched in December 2025 now supports ongoing engagement and resource sharing among more than 140 active members. Together these activities are strengthening coordination and capability within the UK robotics technical workforce. External evaluation has highlighted the value of activities supported by UK RAS STEPS, with participants reporting high satisfaction, professional growth, and strengthened networking. We work closely with Technician Commitment, NTDC, ITSS and TSN/TMU networks, with the profile of UK RAS STEPS growing and becoming to go-to network for RAS Technical Staff. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2025 |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Agriculture, Food and Drink,Construction,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal |
| Description | Contribution to Smart Machines 2035 Strategy Consultation |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-machines-strategy-2035 |
| Description | Making more robots in the UK |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://www.makemorerobots.uk/#readmoredownload |
| Description | International Robotics Technical Knowledge Exchange - University of Tokyo |
| Organisation | University of Tokyo |
| Country | Japan |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The UK RAS STEPS team developed and coordinated an international knowledge exchange programme to enable UK Research Technical Professionals to collaborate with leading international robotics laboratories. The team designed a peer-reviewed selection process for participants and coordinated engagement between UK robotics technical specialists and the host institution to enable exchange of technical expertise and laboratory practices. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The University of Tokyo provides access to its robotics research laboratories and technical teams, enabling knowledge exchange on robotics platforms, laboratory practices and technical innovation. The collaboration supports international networking between technical specialists and sharing of best practice across robotics research environments. |
| Impact | Planned international knowledge exchange visit involving 10 UK RTPs. Strengthening UK-Japan collaboration between robotics technical specialists. Knowledge sharing on robotics infrastructure, laboratory systems and technical practices supporting robotics research. |
| Start Year | 2026 |
| Description | National Technician Development Centre |
| Organisation | University of Sheffield |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The collaboration between UK RAS STEPS and the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC) has been instrumental in strengthening support for the Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) technician community. UK RAS STEPS has contributed by co-developing bespoke placements and mentoring workshops tailored specifically to Research Technical Professionals working in or with RAS, including fully funded knowledge-exchange visits and specialist training programmes such as the "Professional and Personal Benefits of Placements" workshop. These initiatives have expanded opportunities for skills development, career progression, and community building across the RAS technician landscape. NTDC has played a key role as a member of the UK RAS STEPS Advisory Board, offering strategic guidance informed by their national expertise in technical workforce development. Their participation in the June showcase and ongoing provision of insights into the wider technician landscape have ensured that programme activities remain aligned with sector needs and reflect best practice in technician support and career development. |
| Collaborator Contribution | NTDC has played a key role as a member of the UK RAS STEPS Advisory Board, offering strategic guidance informed by their national expertise in technical workforce development. Their participation in the June showcase and ongoing provision of insights into the wider technician landscape have ensured that programme activities remain aligned with sector needs and reflect best practice in technician support and career development. |
| Impact | Preparing for Placement: Maximising Professional and Personal Growth workshops - Jan & Feb 2026 Mentoring workshops and one to one support for RTPs - ongoing |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | UK Robotics Initiative programmes |
| Organisation | Alan Turing Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating closely with the delivery teams across all aspects of the various initiatives each Strategic Technical Platform project is implementing. These partnerships ensure alignment, foster knowledge sharing, and strengthen the overall impact of our collective efforts. This coordinated approach helps to maximise resources, avoid duplication of effort, and accelerate progress within the UK Robotics initiative. Our partnership is focused on fostering cohesion across the UK Robotics initiative, ensuring that our efforts are complementary rather than duplicative. Through joint activities, we have worked together to cross-promote our projects, sharing resources, expertise, and best practices to enhance the impact of all programs. This collaboration has provided opportunities for mutual learning, aligned research goals, and the sharing of insights from our respective research domains. Our programme manager plays a crucial role in these collaborations, bringing extensive experience in managing relationships and delivering complex, multi-layered, multi-disciplinary projects across both academia and industry. Their expertise ensures smooth communication and efficient delivery of joint initiatives. Additionally, our team offers valuable intellectual input through our expertise in public engagement activities, leveraging strong connections with leading robotics facilities. This combined knowledge and network of contacts enhances the impact of our projects and strengthens the collaborative ecosystem across the UK Robotics initiative. Looking ahead, we are exploring the possibility of applying for additional funding to establish an official coordination node. This would enable more structured collaboration, facilitating greater synergy between our teams and strengthening the UK's robotics research landscape. By pooling our expertise and resources, we aim to create a unified approach that drives innovation and accelerates the development of robotics technologies across the country. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The support of our collaborators has been instrumental in driving the success of our research outcomes. Their expertise and intellectual input have significantly enhanced the quality of our work, particularly in areas where interdisciplinary collaboration is key. Through their extensive knowledge, we've been able to refine our methodologies and improve our understanding of complex issues that are particular to the RTP community. Communications and the way we form these for the RTP community is integral to the success of the project - and being able to speak other programme leads about the best impact has been crucial. Access to data and ability to join in related activities has been important to our network's growth. Our collaborators, with their strong links to key members of the research technical community, have shared contacts and information with us and vice versa. Overall, the collaboration has created a powerful wider network that not only supports but also amplifies the impact of our work. |
| Impact | Supporting network members from UK RAS STEPS to participate in relevant initiatives, and vice versa. The collaboration is truly multi-disciplinary involving robotics and autonomous systems, data management, biomolecular engineering, materials science and wireless technology. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | UK Robotics Initiative programmes |
| Organisation | Henry Royce Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating closely with the delivery teams across all aspects of the various initiatives each Strategic Technical Platform project is implementing. These partnerships ensure alignment, foster knowledge sharing, and strengthen the overall impact of our collective efforts. This coordinated approach helps to maximise resources, avoid duplication of effort, and accelerate progress within the UK Robotics initiative. Our partnership is focused on fostering cohesion across the UK Robotics initiative, ensuring that our efforts are complementary rather than duplicative. Through joint activities, we have worked together to cross-promote our projects, sharing resources, expertise, and best practices to enhance the impact of all programs. This collaboration has provided opportunities for mutual learning, aligned research goals, and the sharing of insights from our respective research domains. Our programme manager plays a crucial role in these collaborations, bringing extensive experience in managing relationships and delivering complex, multi-layered, multi-disciplinary projects across both academia and industry. Their expertise ensures smooth communication and efficient delivery of joint initiatives. Additionally, our team offers valuable intellectual input through our expertise in public engagement activities, leveraging strong connections with leading robotics facilities. This combined knowledge and network of contacts enhances the impact of our projects and strengthens the collaborative ecosystem across the UK Robotics initiative. Looking ahead, we are exploring the possibility of applying for additional funding to establish an official coordination node. This would enable more structured collaboration, facilitating greater synergy between our teams and strengthening the UK's robotics research landscape. By pooling our expertise and resources, we aim to create a unified approach that drives innovation and accelerates the development of robotics technologies across the country. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The support of our collaborators has been instrumental in driving the success of our research outcomes. Their expertise and intellectual input have significantly enhanced the quality of our work, particularly in areas where interdisciplinary collaboration is key. Through their extensive knowledge, we've been able to refine our methodologies and improve our understanding of complex issues that are particular to the RTP community. Communications and the way we form these for the RTP community is integral to the success of the project - and being able to speak other programme leads about the best impact has been crucial. Access to data and ability to join in related activities has been important to our network's growth. Our collaborators, with their strong links to key members of the research technical community, have shared contacts and information with us and vice versa. Overall, the collaboration has created a powerful wider network that not only supports but also amplifies the impact of our work. |
| Impact | Supporting network members from UK RAS STEPS to participate in relevant initiatives, and vice versa. The collaboration is truly multi-disciplinary involving robotics and autonomous systems, data management, biomolecular engineering, materials science and wireless technology. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | UK Robotics Initiative programmes |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Department | Department of Computing |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating closely with the delivery teams across all aspects of the various initiatives each Strategic Technical Platform project is implementing. These partnerships ensure alignment, foster knowledge sharing, and strengthen the overall impact of our collective efforts. This coordinated approach helps to maximise resources, avoid duplication of effort, and accelerate progress within the UK Robotics initiative. Our partnership is focused on fostering cohesion across the UK Robotics initiative, ensuring that our efforts are complementary rather than duplicative. Through joint activities, we have worked together to cross-promote our projects, sharing resources, expertise, and best practices to enhance the impact of all programs. This collaboration has provided opportunities for mutual learning, aligned research goals, and the sharing of insights from our respective research domains. Our programme manager plays a crucial role in these collaborations, bringing extensive experience in managing relationships and delivering complex, multi-layered, multi-disciplinary projects across both academia and industry. Their expertise ensures smooth communication and efficient delivery of joint initiatives. Additionally, our team offers valuable intellectual input through our expertise in public engagement activities, leveraging strong connections with leading robotics facilities. This combined knowledge and network of contacts enhances the impact of our projects and strengthens the collaborative ecosystem across the UK Robotics initiative. Looking ahead, we are exploring the possibility of applying for additional funding to establish an official coordination node. This would enable more structured collaboration, facilitating greater synergy between our teams and strengthening the UK's robotics research landscape. By pooling our expertise and resources, we aim to create a unified approach that drives innovation and accelerates the development of robotics technologies across the country. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The support of our collaborators has been instrumental in driving the success of our research outcomes. Their expertise and intellectual input have significantly enhanced the quality of our work, particularly in areas where interdisciplinary collaboration is key. Through their extensive knowledge, we've been able to refine our methodologies and improve our understanding of complex issues that are particular to the RTP community. Communications and the way we form these for the RTP community is integral to the success of the project - and being able to speak other programme leads about the best impact has been crucial. Access to data and ability to join in related activities has been important to our network's growth. Our collaborators, with their strong links to key members of the research technical community, have shared contacts and information with us and vice versa. Overall, the collaboration has created a powerful wider network that not only supports but also amplifies the impact of our work. |
| Impact | Supporting network members from UK RAS STEPS to participate in relevant initiatives, and vice versa. The collaboration is truly multi-disciplinary involving robotics and autonomous systems, data management, biomolecular engineering, materials science and wireless technology. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | UK Robotics Initiative programmes |
| Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating closely with the delivery teams across all aspects of the various initiatives each Strategic Technical Platform project is implementing. These partnerships ensure alignment, foster knowledge sharing, and strengthen the overall impact of our collective efforts. This coordinated approach helps to maximise resources, avoid duplication of effort, and accelerate progress within the UK Robotics initiative. Our partnership is focused on fostering cohesion across the UK Robotics initiative, ensuring that our efforts are complementary rather than duplicative. Through joint activities, we have worked together to cross-promote our projects, sharing resources, expertise, and best practices to enhance the impact of all programs. This collaboration has provided opportunities for mutual learning, aligned research goals, and the sharing of insights from our respective research domains. Our programme manager plays a crucial role in these collaborations, bringing extensive experience in managing relationships and delivering complex, multi-layered, multi-disciplinary projects across both academia and industry. Their expertise ensures smooth communication and efficient delivery of joint initiatives. Additionally, our team offers valuable intellectual input through our expertise in public engagement activities, leveraging strong connections with leading robotics facilities. This combined knowledge and network of contacts enhances the impact of our projects and strengthens the collaborative ecosystem across the UK Robotics initiative. Looking ahead, we are exploring the possibility of applying for additional funding to establish an official coordination node. This would enable more structured collaboration, facilitating greater synergy between our teams and strengthening the UK's robotics research landscape. By pooling our expertise and resources, we aim to create a unified approach that drives innovation and accelerates the development of robotics technologies across the country. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The support of our collaborators has been instrumental in driving the success of our research outcomes. Their expertise and intellectual input have significantly enhanced the quality of our work, particularly in areas where interdisciplinary collaboration is key. Through their extensive knowledge, we've been able to refine our methodologies and improve our understanding of complex issues that are particular to the RTP community. Communications and the way we form these for the RTP community is integral to the success of the project - and being able to speak other programme leads about the best impact has been crucial. Access to data and ability to join in related activities has been important to our network's growth. Our collaborators, with their strong links to key members of the research technical community, have shared contacts and information with us and vice versa. Overall, the collaboration has created a powerful wider network that not only supports but also amplifies the impact of our work. |
| Impact | Supporting network members from UK RAS STEPS to participate in relevant initiatives, and vice versa. The collaboration is truly multi-disciplinary involving robotics and autonomous systems, data management, biomolecular engineering, materials science and wireless technology. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | UK Robotics Initiative programmes |
| Organisation | University of Bath |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating closely with the delivery teams across all aspects of the various initiatives each Strategic Technical Platform project is implementing. These partnerships ensure alignment, foster knowledge sharing, and strengthen the overall impact of our collective efforts. This coordinated approach helps to maximise resources, avoid duplication of effort, and accelerate progress within the UK Robotics initiative. Our partnership is focused on fostering cohesion across the UK Robotics initiative, ensuring that our efforts are complementary rather than duplicative. Through joint activities, we have worked together to cross-promote our projects, sharing resources, expertise, and best practices to enhance the impact of all programs. This collaboration has provided opportunities for mutual learning, aligned research goals, and the sharing of insights from our respective research domains. Our programme manager plays a crucial role in these collaborations, bringing extensive experience in managing relationships and delivering complex, multi-layered, multi-disciplinary projects across both academia and industry. Their expertise ensures smooth communication and efficient delivery of joint initiatives. Additionally, our team offers valuable intellectual input through our expertise in public engagement activities, leveraging strong connections with leading robotics facilities. This combined knowledge and network of contacts enhances the impact of our projects and strengthens the collaborative ecosystem across the UK Robotics initiative. Looking ahead, we are exploring the possibility of applying for additional funding to establish an official coordination node. This would enable more structured collaboration, facilitating greater synergy between our teams and strengthening the UK's robotics research landscape. By pooling our expertise and resources, we aim to create a unified approach that drives innovation and accelerates the development of robotics technologies across the country. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The support of our collaborators has been instrumental in driving the success of our research outcomes. Their expertise and intellectual input have significantly enhanced the quality of our work, particularly in areas where interdisciplinary collaboration is key. Through their extensive knowledge, we've been able to refine our methodologies and improve our understanding of complex issues that are particular to the RTP community. Communications and the way we form these for the RTP community is integral to the success of the project - and being able to speak other programme leads about the best impact has been crucial. Access to data and ability to join in related activities has been important to our network's growth. Our collaborators, with their strong links to key members of the research technical community, have shared contacts and information with us and vice versa. Overall, the collaboration has created a powerful wider network that not only supports but also amplifies the impact of our work. |
| Impact | Supporting network members from UK RAS STEPS to participate in relevant initiatives, and vice versa. The collaboration is truly multi-disciplinary involving robotics and autonomous systems, data management, biomolecular engineering, materials science and wireless technology. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | UK Robotics Initiative programmes |
| Organisation | University of East Anglia |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating closely with the delivery teams across all aspects of the various initiatives each Strategic Technical Platform project is implementing. These partnerships ensure alignment, foster knowledge sharing, and strengthen the overall impact of our collective efforts. This coordinated approach helps to maximise resources, avoid duplication of effort, and accelerate progress within the UK Robotics initiative. Our partnership is focused on fostering cohesion across the UK Robotics initiative, ensuring that our efforts are complementary rather than duplicative. Through joint activities, we have worked together to cross-promote our projects, sharing resources, expertise, and best practices to enhance the impact of all programs. This collaboration has provided opportunities for mutual learning, aligned research goals, and the sharing of insights from our respective research domains. Our programme manager plays a crucial role in these collaborations, bringing extensive experience in managing relationships and delivering complex, multi-layered, multi-disciplinary projects across both academia and industry. Their expertise ensures smooth communication and efficient delivery of joint initiatives. Additionally, our team offers valuable intellectual input through our expertise in public engagement activities, leveraging strong connections with leading robotics facilities. This combined knowledge and network of contacts enhances the impact of our projects and strengthens the collaborative ecosystem across the UK Robotics initiative. Looking ahead, we are exploring the possibility of applying for additional funding to establish an official coordination node. This would enable more structured collaboration, facilitating greater synergy between our teams and strengthening the UK's robotics research landscape. By pooling our expertise and resources, we aim to create a unified approach that drives innovation and accelerates the development of robotics technologies across the country. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The support of our collaborators has been instrumental in driving the success of our research outcomes. Their expertise and intellectual input have significantly enhanced the quality of our work, particularly in areas where interdisciplinary collaboration is key. Through their extensive knowledge, we've been able to refine our methodologies and improve our understanding of complex issues that are particular to the RTP community. Communications and the way we form these for the RTP community is integral to the success of the project - and being able to speak other programme leads about the best impact has been crucial. Access to data and ability to join in related activities has been important to our network's growth. Our collaborators, with their strong links to key members of the research technical community, have shared contacts and information with us and vice versa. Overall, the collaboration has created a powerful wider network that not only supports but also amplifies the impact of our work. |
| Impact | Supporting network members from UK RAS STEPS to participate in relevant initiatives, and vice versa. The collaboration is truly multi-disciplinary involving robotics and autonomous systems, data management, biomolecular engineering, materials science and wireless technology. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | UK Robotics Initiative programmes |
| Organisation | University of Essex |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating closely with the delivery teams across all aspects of the various initiatives each Strategic Technical Platform project is implementing. These partnerships ensure alignment, foster knowledge sharing, and strengthen the overall impact of our collective efforts. This coordinated approach helps to maximise resources, avoid duplication of effort, and accelerate progress within the UK Robotics initiative. Our partnership is focused on fostering cohesion across the UK Robotics initiative, ensuring that our efforts are complementary rather than duplicative. Through joint activities, we have worked together to cross-promote our projects, sharing resources, expertise, and best practices to enhance the impact of all programs. This collaboration has provided opportunities for mutual learning, aligned research goals, and the sharing of insights from our respective research domains. Our programme manager plays a crucial role in these collaborations, bringing extensive experience in managing relationships and delivering complex, multi-layered, multi-disciplinary projects across both academia and industry. Their expertise ensures smooth communication and efficient delivery of joint initiatives. Additionally, our team offers valuable intellectual input through our expertise in public engagement activities, leveraging strong connections with leading robotics facilities. This combined knowledge and network of contacts enhances the impact of our projects and strengthens the collaborative ecosystem across the UK Robotics initiative. Looking ahead, we are exploring the possibility of applying for additional funding to establish an official coordination node. This would enable more structured collaboration, facilitating greater synergy between our teams and strengthening the UK's robotics research landscape. By pooling our expertise and resources, we aim to create a unified approach that drives innovation and accelerates the development of robotics technologies across the country. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The support of our collaborators has been instrumental in driving the success of our research outcomes. Their expertise and intellectual input have significantly enhanced the quality of our work, particularly in areas where interdisciplinary collaboration is key. Through their extensive knowledge, we've been able to refine our methodologies and improve our understanding of complex issues that are particular to the RTP community. Communications and the way we form these for the RTP community is integral to the success of the project - and being able to speak other programme leads about the best impact has been crucial. Access to data and ability to join in related activities has been important to our network's growth. Our collaborators, with their strong links to key members of the research technical community, have shared contacts and information with us and vice versa. Overall, the collaboration has created a powerful wider network that not only supports but also amplifies the impact of our work. |
| Impact | Supporting network members from UK RAS STEPS to participate in relevant initiatives, and vice versa. The collaboration is truly multi-disciplinary involving robotics and autonomous systems, data management, biomolecular engineering, materials science and wireless technology. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | UK Robotics Initiative programmes |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating closely with the delivery teams across all aspects of the various initiatives each Strategic Technical Platform project is implementing. These partnerships ensure alignment, foster knowledge sharing, and strengthen the overall impact of our collective efforts. This coordinated approach helps to maximise resources, avoid duplication of effort, and accelerate progress within the UK Robotics initiative. Our partnership is focused on fostering cohesion across the UK Robotics initiative, ensuring that our efforts are complementary rather than duplicative. Through joint activities, we have worked together to cross-promote our projects, sharing resources, expertise, and best practices to enhance the impact of all programs. This collaboration has provided opportunities for mutual learning, aligned research goals, and the sharing of insights from our respective research domains. Our programme manager plays a crucial role in these collaborations, bringing extensive experience in managing relationships and delivering complex, multi-layered, multi-disciplinary projects across both academia and industry. Their expertise ensures smooth communication and efficient delivery of joint initiatives. Additionally, our team offers valuable intellectual input through our expertise in public engagement activities, leveraging strong connections with leading robotics facilities. This combined knowledge and network of contacts enhances the impact of our projects and strengthens the collaborative ecosystem across the UK Robotics initiative. Looking ahead, we are exploring the possibility of applying for additional funding to establish an official coordination node. This would enable more structured collaboration, facilitating greater synergy between our teams and strengthening the UK's robotics research landscape. By pooling our expertise and resources, we aim to create a unified approach that drives innovation and accelerates the development of robotics technologies across the country. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The support of our collaborators has been instrumental in driving the success of our research outcomes. Their expertise and intellectual input have significantly enhanced the quality of our work, particularly in areas where interdisciplinary collaboration is key. Through their extensive knowledge, we've been able to refine our methodologies and improve our understanding of complex issues that are particular to the RTP community. Communications and the way we form these for the RTP community is integral to the success of the project - and being able to speak other programme leads about the best impact has been crucial. Access to data and ability to join in related activities has been important to our network's growth. Our collaborators, with their strong links to key members of the research technical community, have shared contacts and information with us and vice versa. Overall, the collaboration has created a powerful wider network that not only supports but also amplifies the impact of our work. |
| Impact | Supporting network members from UK RAS STEPS to participate in relevant initiatives, and vice versa. The collaboration is truly multi-disciplinary involving robotics and autonomous systems, data management, biomolecular engineering, materials science and wireless technology. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | UK Robotics Initiative programmes |
| Organisation | University of Warwick |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating closely with the delivery teams across all aspects of the various initiatives each Strategic Technical Platform project is implementing. These partnerships ensure alignment, foster knowledge sharing, and strengthen the overall impact of our collective efforts. This coordinated approach helps to maximise resources, avoid duplication of effort, and accelerate progress within the UK Robotics initiative. Our partnership is focused on fostering cohesion across the UK Robotics initiative, ensuring that our efforts are complementary rather than duplicative. Through joint activities, we have worked together to cross-promote our projects, sharing resources, expertise, and best practices to enhance the impact of all programs. This collaboration has provided opportunities for mutual learning, aligned research goals, and the sharing of insights from our respective research domains. Our programme manager plays a crucial role in these collaborations, bringing extensive experience in managing relationships and delivering complex, multi-layered, multi-disciplinary projects across both academia and industry. Their expertise ensures smooth communication and efficient delivery of joint initiatives. Additionally, our team offers valuable intellectual input through our expertise in public engagement activities, leveraging strong connections with leading robotics facilities. This combined knowledge and network of contacts enhances the impact of our projects and strengthens the collaborative ecosystem across the UK Robotics initiative. Looking ahead, we are exploring the possibility of applying for additional funding to establish an official coordination node. This would enable more structured collaboration, facilitating greater synergy between our teams and strengthening the UK's robotics research landscape. By pooling our expertise and resources, we aim to create a unified approach that drives innovation and accelerates the development of robotics technologies across the country. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The support of our collaborators has been instrumental in driving the success of our research outcomes. Their expertise and intellectual input have significantly enhanced the quality of our work, particularly in areas where interdisciplinary collaboration is key. Through their extensive knowledge, we've been able to refine our methodologies and improve our understanding of complex issues that are particular to the RTP community. Communications and the way we form these for the RTP community is integral to the success of the project - and being able to speak other programme leads about the best impact has been crucial. Access to data and ability to join in related activities has been important to our network's growth. Our collaborators, with their strong links to key members of the research technical community, have shared contacts and information with us and vice versa. Overall, the collaboration has created a powerful wider network that not only supports but also amplifies the impact of our work. |
| Impact | Supporting network members from UK RAS STEPS to participate in relevant initiatives, and vice versa. The collaboration is truly multi-disciplinary involving robotics and autonomous systems, data management, biomolecular engineering, materials science and wireless technology. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Design and Technology Subject Leader Development Meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 20 subject leaders in Design & Technology from Leeds area schools attended the development meeting, which Claire Asher was asked to speak about UK RAS STEPS schools' engagement initiative at. It was held at Roundhay High School and organised by Leeds City Council. As well as receiving feedback on our initial careers resource pack ideas during the meeting, the plan is to continue engaging with the subject leaders and with D&T teachers across Leeds as we develop and produce the careers pack through the Leeds For Learning newsletter, with the possibility of attending more subject leader events in the future. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Linked IN reach |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | There are 374 followers of the UK RAS STEPS Linked IN channel. This is growing by the day and allows us to reach RAS RTPs, associated orgs and technical leads directly. We have received a number of queries resulting from publicising activity on Linked IN and our shares and likes are growing. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| URL | https://www.linkedin.com/company/uk-ras-steps/ |
| Description | Presentation at Technician Commitment meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Programme Manager, Marie Daniels, delivered a presentation to the London & South East Technician Commitment Network. This prompted discussion and follow up enquiries with more RTPs joining the network and accessing our initiatives. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Press release issued |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A press release was distributed to announce the funding and start of the project, sent to local and specialist press. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-engineering-physical-sciences/news/article/6032/groundbreaking-robot... |
| Description | Quarterly newsletter |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A quarterly newsletter is distributed to those who have signed up to receive UK RAS comms. This allows us to communicate current and upcoming opportunities to a large group and results in people signing up to various schemes/asking for further info. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://www.ukras-steps.org/contact-us/newsletter/ |
| Description | Robotics at Leeds workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Approx. 60-70 staff from the robotics group at Leeds held a workshop which our programme manager presented at. This prompted follow up discussions and links to colleagues at other institutions who would be interested in the network. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Technical Professional Research Symposium |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Co-I Andy Blight delivered a talk on UK RAS STEPS to the Leeds RTP community, which resulted in separate conversations with a number of interested people and new members joining the network. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | UK RAS STEPS Launch event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | 60 RTPs, technical leads and linked organisation representatives attended the first UK RAS STEPS Showcase, officially launching the project and being the first opportunity to bring together the first network members. It sparked great debate, ideas for development and what support RTPs would benefit from. This led to adapting WPs to best fit the needs of the community. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.ukras-steps.org/news-events/news-blogs/first-network-committee-meeting-at-the-royal-armo... |
| Description | UK RAS website |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | UK RAS website set up as tool to post blogs, news items and initiatives - with links to application forms. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| URL | https://www.ukras-steps.org/ |