UK plays catch-up with artificial intelligence and robotics

An impressive array of robots serves as a fitting backdrop for Stewart Miller, the CEO of the new National Robotarium, in a large and mostly empty space in a swish new building on the campus of Heriot-Watt University on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Launched in September in partnership with Edinburgh University, the center aims to bolster the UK's artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics sector, which Miller believes is lagging behind the major players. "We're rich in research in AI," he explains, "but where we tend to stumble – not just with AI, but with other technology as well – is when we try to take it out of the research setting and apply it. That's why we've been set up." In the weeks and months ahead this large, sparse space will fill up as it welcomes various tenant start-up AI and robotics firms and takes them under its wing.