# Bonus Episode: Behind the scenes at the UK's leading robotics centre

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2026-09-17
- Length: 1h 09m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre

## Summary

Steve Maclaren, Chief Operating Officer at The National Robotarium, explains the centre's mission to bridge the gap between UK robotics research and commercial adoption through its five pillars: talent, research, adoption, data, and entrepreneurship. Thomas McGravie, Senior Technician, tours the facility, showcasing diverse robotics applications including the Ameca humanoid by Engineered Arts, a Cheeky Robotics whale, and various agricultural and medical devices. The episode highlights the Robotarium's role in supporting resident startups like Touchlab and Robocean, while addressing the practical challenges of prototyping, testing, and managing 3D printing waste.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre#t=7) Introduction and Sponsor Read
- [1:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre#t=75) Steve Maclaren on the Robotarium's Five Pillars
- [5:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre#t=317) Adoption Challenges and Success Stories
- [11:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre#t=680) Tour with Thomas McGravie: Ameca and Marine Robotics
- [16:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre#t=962) Assistive Technology and Smart Home Simulations
- [21:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre#t=1306) Medical Robotics and Rehabilitation Equipment
- [26:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre#t=1575) Testing Facilities and Soft Robotics
- [33:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre#t=2005) Smart Troll Fisheries Project and Agricultural Robots
- [43:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre#t=2638) Workshop Operations and 3D Printing Waste Recycling
- [54:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre#t=3244) Thomas McGravie on Technician Support and UK RAS STEPS
- [1:06:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre#t=3979) Interview with Ameca and Conclusion

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- National Robotarium (company)
- Steve Maclaren (other)
- Thomas McGravie (other)
- Ameca (product)
- Engineered Arts (company)
- Cheeky Robotics (company)
- Boston Dynamics (company)
- Spot (product)
- Smart Troll (product)
- UK RAS STEPS (other)
- Fusion 360 (tool)
- CNC (tool)
- 3D printing (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Robotics Factory Builds Robot Companies](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-02-28-the-robotics-factory-builds-robot-companies) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [BONUS: A Look Inside the 2022 A3 Business Forum](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-02-22-bonus-a-look-inside-the-2022-a3-business-forum) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [254: From Steel City to Robotics Powerhouse: Pittsburgh’s Industrial Legacy featuring Jay Douglass, COO of ARM Institute](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-09-23-254-from-steel-city-to-robotics-powerhouse-pittsburghs-industrial-legacy-featuri) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Live from the 2025 Robotics Summit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-05-05-live-from-the-2025-robotics-summit) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Robotics Summit 2022 recap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-05-18-robotics-summit-2022-recap) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

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