Robotics is becoming increasingly advanced, user-friendly, and accessible. With new technological advancements comes a new age of robotics, which can address more complex and diverse challenges like climate change, energy insecurity, healthcare, and more. We’d like to highlight and champion the increasingly innovative robotics taking place in Scotland, and more specifically, the innovations taking place at the Higgs Centre for Innovation.
These innovations have allowed companies to continue their successful journeys, with many going onto The National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
Here are some introductions to three companies that are either currently enrolled on the Higgs BIC programme or have recently graduated, and the waves they are making within the industry.
Robocean
Robocean are working on innovative subsea technologies to revolutionise seagrass restoration. Seagrass meadows are the lungs of the ocean and could be a key player in reaching net-zero targets. Robocean’s technologies aim to streamline the entire seagrass restoration process, from seed to sapling. Therefore, they can provide ‘seagrass as a service,’ allowing anyone to support seagrass restoration with ease.
With the support of the Higgs Centre for Innovation, Robocean has been intensively developing its technologies. Now, at the end of their incubation programme at the Higgs Centre (joined in March 2024), they have successfully transformed their concept into a working prototype, making full use of the tools and equipment available at the Higgs Centre and other STFC sites. This prototype has since been demonstrated to investors and tested in field trials, with the aim of achieving efficient ecosystem engineering at the touch of a button.
During their time at the Higgs, Robocean expanded their team and remained focused on their mission: to develop the world’s most efficient seagrass restoration solutions and deliver meaningful restoration projects across the globe. We wish them every success in their current and future endeavours!
Metacarpal
Metacarpal make fully body-powered, yet bionic, prosthetic hands that meet the widest array of needs for those with Upper Limb Difference.
An Upper Limb Difference is the partial or complete absence of the upper limbs.
For the last thirty years, the upper-limb prosthetics industry has been entirely focused on making advanced robotic hands, but simple body-powered hooks remain the most functional products.
These new types of devices are entirely powered and controlled by body motion, and it’s been a busy few months for Metacarpal, who are planning to get them on the market. They’ve since graduated from the Higgs BIC programme and moved to Edinburgh’s Robotarium, where they are completing trials, in the lead up to a product launch.
Metacarpal’s founder, Fergal Mackie, and the rest of the team have appeared in several media outlets, including The Times in April 2024. They were featured in discussions about turning university businesses into entrepreneurial ventures. Fergal has said that “this is a stage in your life when you have time to commit to figuring it out,” and it’s safe to say that their innovative advancements are paving the way for this to be fully realised.
Stop Press! The Metacarpal GEM Hand was awarded Best in Show in This Year’s New Product Showcase at AOPA.
Metacarpal have followed in the footsteps of several of our other successful alumni companies, including Bioliberty, Touchlab, Crover and Danu Robotics, who have all found homes at The Robotarium.
Gibson Robotics
Gibson Robotics joined the Higgs Centre in 2022 and are developing the future of commercial autonomous aerial systems to elevate the security and safety of sites, both on the ground and in the air. Their systems are distinctive in the way they champion ‘Rapid Response,’ ‘Autonomous Flight,’ and ‘Dynamic Deterrence.’
Their new product, ‘Shadow Hawk,’ has been launched as a high-performance drone, built for precision surveillance, reconnaissance and tactical response. It is designed for use in defence, law enforcement and critical infrastructure security, excelling in real-time intelligence gathering, threat assessment and rapid deployment in high-risk environments.
The role of drones in the security landscape allows for unmanned security capabilities, improved accuracy, and increased monitoring of vast and hazardous areas, all of which contribute to improving levels of security.
They are grateful for the support from the Higgs Centre, and the social aspect that the site offers, notably their connections with other startups. This, combined with the space that UK ATC harnesses, allows them to complete successful test flights in a supportive and innovation-driven environment.
The Future of Robotics?
The use of robotics is expanding rapidly across industries – from surgical robots in healthcare and autonomous machines in agriculture, to automated systems in manufacturing, logistics, retail, and space exploration. These innovative technologies offer limitless opportunities.
It is great to see the growth and ongoing development within this sector, reflecting not only the increasing innovation and investment but also the collaborative efforts driving progress. The ongoing growth and achievements of the Scottish robotics landscape highlight the talent, cutting-edge research, and strong entrepreneurial visions within this dynamic ecosystem.
What does the future of robotics look like? We think it looks unique, capable, and daring.
