UK RAS STEPS has marked a significant milestone for the UK robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) community by leading its first-ever international knowledge exchange visit for Research Technical Professionals (RTPs), taking a group of ten RTPs to Tokyo, Japan, in April.

Opportunities of this kind are rare for RTPs, whose expertise underpins much of the UK’s research excellence but who are seldom included in international exchanges typically aimed at academic staff. This landmark visit reflects UK RAS STEPS’ growing commitment to recognising, supporting and developing technical talent across the RAS landscape.

The RTPs were selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed process and represented a diverse range of UK institutions: the Universities of Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Cambridge, Birmingham and Bath; Imperial College London; University College London; The National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University; Cranfield University; and Manchester Metropolitan University.

The delegation was further strengthened by representatives from the Science and Technology team at the British Embassy in Japan, helping to build closer links between UK technical specialists, Japanese academics and UK government stakeholders.

A packed programme across Tokyo

The visit took place from 21-25 April and featured an intensive programme across leading universities and industry partners.

The group visited the Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies at the University of Tokyo, Kashiwa Campus. This was organised by Professor Qi An, who also served as the overall coordinator for the visit. Professor Qi An connected UK RAS STEPS with colleagues across multiple universities, and UK RAS STEPS is incredibly grateful to him and the many professors and students involved.

At Kashiwa, RTPs heard presentations from Professor Qi An and collaborators before presenting their own work to Japanese colleagues – an unusual and valuable opportunity for technical professionals to showcase their expertise on an international stage. Tours included the Real World Robot Informatics Lab, where research focuses on supporting motor function in individuals with movement disorders and exploring confined or hazardous spaces using mobile manipulators. Further demonstrations highlighted modular robot technologies for environmental structuring, led by Professor Rui Fukui. The group even had the chance to operate the robots themselves.

We were also hosted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika Campus, organised by Professor Takuya Hashimoto. Here, RTPs were introduced to cutting-edge work in welfare devices and assistive robotics by Yoshio Matsumoto from the Department of Medical and Robotic Engineering Design. Demonstrations showed how robotics are being deployed to support ageing populations, deliver robot-based social skills training for children with autism spectrum disorder, and advance the development of care robots.

The group also tested a wearable “muscle suit,” demonstrated by Ryuji Koizumi, giving participants hands-on experience of technologies designed to reduce physical strain and enhance human capability.

The delegation visited the Department of Precision Engineering at the University of Tokyo, hosted by Professor Fumiya Iida, who recently moved from the University of Cambridge. Discussions explored the contrasting funding landscapes in the UK and Japan, opportunities for future collaboration, and the differing ways technical expertise and RTP-style roles are structured and valued within Japanese institutions. The session sparked particularly strong engagement around how technical career pathways can be better supported internationally.

We then had the opportunity to visit RT Corporation, hosted by CEO Ms Yuki Nakagawa. Guided by the company’s mantra, “Life with Robots, Work with Robots, Make or Die,” RTPs were introduced to developments in physical AI, computer vision and service robotics. Demonstrations included quadruped robots used for patrol, inspection, construction and disaster-response scenarios, as well as Foodly, a humanoid collaborative robot designed to work alongside human staff to automate factory and retail processes. RT Corporation’s strong links to the global ROS community added further relevance for the visiting technical specialists.

Marie Daniels, Programme Manager, UK RAS STEPS:

Giving RTPs opportunities like this is vital. it builds confidence, broadens vision, and shows the global impact their technical expertise can have.

Professor Rob Richardson, Co‑Director, UK RAS STEPS:

This visit supported RTPs as emerging international leaders in RAS, and supported the people who make advanced research possible.

Pete Qiang, Turing Research Technical Assistant, VR/AR/Neurogaming, Bath Institute for the Augmented Human, University of Bath

Participating in the UK RAS STEPS Tokyo Exchange was a transformative experience that bridged the gap between theoretical research and tangible, world-class engineering. I return to the UK convinced of the immense potential for future collaborative pipelines, perhaps even a UK-Japan Robotics Sandbox, where UK interdisciplinary design and Japanese engineering expertise can merge to pioneer the next culturally resonant and inclusive technologies.

Beyond the lab

The visit also gave RTPs the opportunity to experience Tokyo’s wider robotics and technology culture, with trips to Kawasaki Robostage, the Miraikan Museum, and TeamLab Planets, which uses advanced technology to create immersive, multi-sensory art experiences. We even spotted an interactive humanoid robot providing assistance at an information desk in Shinjuku Station.

Participants returned to the UK with new contacts, fresh perspectives and practical ideas to take back to their own laboratories. The visit stands as a powerful example of the impact UK RAS STEPS is having – not only in advancing robotics and autonomous systems research, but in championing the vital role of Research Technical Professionals on the global stage.

Feature video coming soon!