Beyond the Lab: Mapping the UK's Autonomous Frontier and the Rise of Physical AI

07 Oct 2026
The Engineer
As artificial intelligence moves beyond software algorithms into real-world hardware, 'Physical AI' and autonomous systems are reshaping the UK’s industrial landscape. Bridging the gap between pioneer R&D and commercial deployment, this session moves past the hype of humanoid marketing videos to examine the actual state of play, breakthrough technologies, and commercial realities of UK robotics today.
Chairperson
Jon Excell
Jon Excell, Editor - The Engineer
Speakers
Ingo Keller
Ingo Keller, Head of Robotics - The National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for robotics and AI, Heriot-Watt University
Marco Chacin
Marco Chacin, Head of Actuators and End Effectors - AIRBUS
Karol Janik
Karol Janik, Robotics & Automation Technology Manager - MTC (The Manufacturing Technology Centre)
Chris Smith
Chris Smith, VP of Hardware Engineering - Starship Technologies