Following the success of last year’s UK RAS STEPS Technical Showcase at London’s Science Museum, the 2026 edition is set to elevate things further.

On Wednesday 10 June 2026, the community will gather at The National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University, for a day that spotlights the achievements, innovations and future ambitions of the programme’s Special Interest Groups. Whether your interests lie in Sustainable 3D Printing, Liquid Handling Automation, AI & Automation, Manufacturing with Robotics, ROS, or Microbots & Sensing, this year’s showcase promises insight, inspiration and new opportunities to get involved.

The event will open with project updates highlighting key milestones, impact and real-world outcomes from UK RAS STEPS to date. Throughout the morning, attendees will hear rapid-fire presentations that bring the year’s work to life – from the latest in sustainable 3D printing practices and lessons learned through the Liquid Handling Workshop, to reflections from international training visits, including the recent Tokyo Knowledge Exchange and RTP placements. The showcase will also feature lightning talks from Research Technical Professionals, offering first-hand snapshots of career development, technical achievements and practical challenges tackled through STEPS activities.

The afternoon will shift focus toward the future, with discussions around priorities for the project’s final 18 months. Breakout sessions will invite participants to help shape what’s next – identifying skills gaps, future needs and opportunities for deeper collaboration across the UK robotics and autonomous systems community.

The day will conclude with guided tours of the National Robotarium, followed by an evening reception at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, giving attendees the chance to continue conversations in a more informal setting together. There will also be award presentations – details soon to be announced.

So, don’t miss out – register now!

UK RAS STEPS will fully fund travel, accommodation, and subsistence for eligible Research Technical Professionals working in robotics and autonomous systems – making this an unmissable opportunity for those shaping the technical backbone of UK RAS innovation.