On 18th June 2025, over 130 Research Technical Professionals (RTPs), academics, and programme partners gathered at the iconic Science Museum in London for the UK RAS STEPS Technical Showcase. The event celebrated the vital role of technical staff working across Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) and provided a unique platform to highlight their expertise, innovation, and impact.

Hosted in the Science Museum’s Illuminate space, the Showcase featured a packed programme of presentations, panel discussions, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops. It offered attendees the chance to connect, share insights, and shape discussions around the future of robotics and the evolving role of RTPs in the sector.

A major highlight of the day was the UK RAS STEPS Awards, recognising exceptional contributions across three key categories:

Outstanding Robotics Engineering
Winner: Graham Brown (University of Leeds)
Highly Commended: Thomas McGravie (The National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University); Charles Richards (University College London); Fabio Tatti (Imperial College London); Robert Woolley (University of York)

Innovative Teamwork in Robotics
Winner: Yuen Ting Chan (Natural History Museum)
Highly Commended: Daniel Marfiewicz-Dickinson (University of York); Gerry Rafferty (Queen’s University Belfast)

Transformative Robotics Impact
Winner: Rob Clowes (University of Liverpool)
Highly Commended: Ana Rubio Denniss (King’s College London); Ian Dukes (University of Essex)

These awards honoured the creativity, commitment, and collaborative spirit of RTPs across the UK, shining a spotlight on the often-unseen technical expertise driving progress in robotics.

The event was part of the broader UK RAS STEPS initiative—an ambitious programme dedicated to empowering technical professionals through recognition, training, and community building.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2025 Showcase and look forward to continuing our work to support and celebrate the UK’s vibrant RAS technical community.