This summer, I had the privilege of undertaking a UK RAS STEPS-funded visit to the Netherlands, which proved to be a transformative experience for both my personal development and the wider robotics research community. 

Sharing Knowledge Across Borders 

As the technical manager of the Robot House research facilities at the University of Hertfordshire, I wear two hats: supporting research as both a researcher and a technician. My visit to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) was an opportunity to present our robots, ambient technology, and the research we support at Robot House. The visit included a round-table discussion and a guided tour of the Social AI and HCI labs at VU Amsterdam. This knowledge exchange was invaluable for identifying similarities in hardware and approaches, and it laid the groundwork for future collaborations in human-robot interaction (HRI). 

Conference Connections and Community Impact 

The trip was timed to coincide with the 34th IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN 2025) in Eindhoven. There, I presented a research paper and co-organised several workshops, using these platforms to showcase UK RAS STEPS and promote the adoption of standardised platforms and experimental protocols in robotics research. The workshops attracted more than 100 delegates, sparking lively discussions and expanding my professional network. Our activities also generated increased attention for the Robot House online, with LinkedIn posts reaching thousands of impressions and hundreds of reactions. 

Lasting Impact and Future Ambitions 

This experience has already led to new initiatives for collaboration, including joint research proposals and the formation of international networks of ambient assisted living labs. The workshop on “Best Practices for Enabling Reproducible & Replicable Studies in Human-Robot Interaction” was a particular highlight, paving the way for replication studies and the development of best practices for early-career researchers and technicians. 

Looking ahead, I am excited about the potential to create an international platform for digital twinning of interactive robotics labs, enabling easier transfer and comparison of experiments across Europe and beyond. 

Reflections and Recommendations 

I would highly recommend this type of international visit to other technical professionals. The opportunity for personal growth, networking, and collaborative research is invaluable. While internal university processes did delay travel bookings (leading to higher costs), the UK RAS STEPS application and funding mechanisms were straightforward and supportive throughout. 

The UK RAS STEPS programme not only provided funding but also offered guidance and encouragement, helping me to align my activities with available opportunities. I am grateful for their support and look forward to seeing the continued impact of these international collaborations.