UK RAS STEPS members gathered at Imperial College London for a Knowledge Exchange Workshop designed to showcase cutting-edge robotics facilities, strengthen connections across the technical community, and highlight the vital contribution of Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) to robotics and autonomous systems research.

Hosted in partnership with Imperial College London, the workshop brought together RTPs from across the UK to learn about pioneering research, exchange knowledge and experience, and gain behind-the-scenes access to a diverse range of laboratories and facilities. The day opened with welcomes from Salzitsa Ivanova, UK RAS STEPS Co-Investigator, followed by an introduction to the UK RAS STEPS programme from Marie Daniels, Programme Manager.

Participants heard a series of technical presentations from Imperial colleagues, including Dr Jingyu Feng, Dr Luke Muscutt and Gordon Herbert, before joining a discussion session exploring opportunities, challenges, and best practice across research environments.

The afternoon focused on immersive tours and demonstrations across multiple departments. Members had the opportunity to visit the Hamlyn Centre Microrobotics Lab, experience the Robogast demonstration, and explore the Robot Intelligence Lab within the Dyson School of Design Engineering. Additional visits included Imperial’s Hydrodynamics Laboratory, Robotic Additive Manufacturing Lab, Showcasing Pit Garage, and the DFF Lab in Mechanical Engineering.

Attendees also gained insight into advanced facilities supporting energy research and bioengineering, including DIGIBAT, an automated energy research facility and AI-assisted software platform, alongside demonstrations of specialist bioengineering laboratories and motion capture systems.

A key aim of the workshop was to foster collaboration and encourage knowledge sharing between RTPs working across different institutions, disciplines, and technical specialisms. The event provided valuable opportunities to discuss common challenges, explore innovative approaches to supporting research, and build new professional connections within the UK robotics community.

We look forward to continuing these knowledge exchange opportunities and supporting RTPs to share expertise, develop networks, and enhance technical excellence across the robotics and autonomous systems community.