Special Interest Group Showcase 2026

On the 10th June 2026, the UK RAS STEPS community came together at The National Robotarium, Edinburgh, for a highly successful Special Interest Group (SIG) Showcase. The event brought together research technical professionals from across the UK to share progress, insights and impact from across the STEPS programme.

The Showcase demonstrated the depth and breadth of activity across the network, with a strong focus on collaboration, innovation and real-world impact. Throughout the day, presenters delivered high-quality talks with confidence and clarity, reflecting the growing visibility and leadership of technical professionals within robotics and autonomous systems.

The event highlighted the continued success of UK RAS STEPS in building a connected, collaborative and confident technical community. The quality of presentations and the enthusiasm across the day demonstrated how participants are taking ownership of their work, driving innovation and contributing to impact at institutional, national and international levels.

The event concluded with the UK RAS STEPS Technical Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions across the community:

• Outstanding Special Interest Group Award
  Winner: 3D Recycling Group (Thomas McGravie, Rob Woolley et al.)
  Highly Commended: Automation of Liquid Handling Group
• STEPS Emerging Leader in Technology
  Winner: Katarzyna Hafezi (University of Edinburgh)
  Highly Commended: Noushin Raeisi Kheirabadi (UWE)
  Special Mention: Salzitsa Anastasova (Imperial College London)
• Special Interest Group Collaboration Champion Award
  Winner: Ana Maria Rubio Denniss (King’s College London)