International Visits

These visits include a mix of informative talks and lab tours, providing valuable insights into research and development practices across the globe. All costs for these visits will be covered by UK RAS STEPS.

We are delighted to offer members an exciting opportunity to take part in an international knowledge exchange visit to Seoul, South Korea – a global hub for innovation in robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing.

This short, intensive visit will coincide with Automation World 2027, offering participants first-hand exposure to cutting-edge industrial technologies alongside curated visits to leading research institutes and robotics companies.

The programme will combine lab tours, industry engagement, and networking opportunities with some of South Korea’s most influential robotics organisations.

📧 To find out more about the visit and how to submit an expression of interest, click here.

We are pleased to announce a new international knowledge exchange visit to the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Genoa, Italy, offering Research Technical Professionals working in robotics the opportunity to explore world-class robotics facilities, engage with leading experts, and build valuable international connections.

Participants will tour state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, meet leading researchers and technical experts, and learn about the infrastructure, platforms and technical capabilities supporting world-leading research in robotics, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, and human-robot interaction.

📧 To find out more about the visit and how to submit an expression of interest, click here.

The Global Knowledge Exchange Funding Pot is designed exclusively for Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) in the RAS community.

This funding will support international travel, accommodation, and subsistence to visit labs, universities, or research institutions around the world. The goal is to enable knowledge exchange, skills development, and collaboration with international peers.

Find out more.

In April 2026, UK RAS STEPS led its first international knowledge exchange visit, taking a group of ten RTPs to Tokyo, Japan. The visit featured an intensive programme across leading universities and industry partners, including the Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies and the Department of Precision Engineering at the University of Tokyo, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Tokyo University of Science, and RT Corporation.

I am grateful to the UK RAS STEPS Programme for providing me with the incredible opportunity to travel to Uganda and contribute to an international research project. This experience not only expanded my technical experience but also allowed me to apply engineering principles in a real-world, cross-cultural context. The support from the programme has been invaluable in helping me grow both professionally and personally. The commitment to supporting technicians and researchers at all career stages is truly making a difference.

– Rhys Moore, Senior 3D Printing Technician, University of Leeds

UK RAS STEPS is an outstanding programme that combines meticulous organisation with meaningful professional development. The opportunity to engage with leading international labs has been both insightful and highly relevant to strengthening our own approaches to research support and lab management.

– Simon Castle-Green, Technical Manager, University of Nottingham