Outdated regulations that are hindering Britain’s robotics and defence technology sectors are set to be overhauled, as the government names both industries as new priority areas for the Regulatory Innovation Office
By making robotics and defence technology a priority, innovation is expected to speed up, national security will be strengthened, and it will further help British firms bring new technologies to market more quickly.
The announcement shows the government’s commitment to modernising rules that have struggled to keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies, particularly those involving autonomous systems, robotics, and advanced defence applications.
New rules to unlock growth
Robotics and defence companies often face long delays and high costs as they navigate multiple regulatory systems at once. A single product can require approvals from aviation authorities, data regulators, and sector-specific safety bodies, creating duplication and slowing development.
The Regulatory Innovation Office will now work across government and regulators to simplify overlapping requirements, while ensuring safety and security standards remain high.
The aim is to make Britain one of the easiest places in the world for robotics and defence innovators to test, scale, and deploy new technologies.
This builds on earlier successes, including work to simplify drone flight approvals, which helped medical delivery services dramatically cut transport times.
Safer work and stronger defence
Robotic systems are increasingly used to carry out dangerous or difficult tasks that would otherwise put people at risk. These include inspecting offshore wind turbines in rough seas, monitoring nuclear facilities, and maintaining critical infrastructure.
In defence, autonomous vessels and robotic platforms are playing an increasingly important role in surveillance, patrol, and logistics. Many of these systems also have civilian uses, such as environmental monitoring and search-and-rescue operations, allowing innovation in one area to benefit the wider economy.
By reducing regulatory friction, the government hopes to speed up the adoption of technologies that protect workers, improve productivity, and strengthen defence readiness.
£52 million boost for robotics adoption
Alongside regulatory reform, the government is investing £52 million to help businesses adopt robotics more widely. Funding will support around 5 new Robotics Adoption Hubs across the UK, helping organisations take their first steps into automation.
The hubs will support a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, farming, healthcare, and logistics. Many smaller businesses recognise the potential benefits of robotics but lack the expertise or confidence to invest.
Each hub will receive at least £2 million per year for four years, with additional funding available for ambitious proposals. Operated by universities, businesses, or public sector organisations selected through an Innovate UK competition, the hubs will offer expert advice, live demonstrations, and opportunities to collaborate.
They are expected to begin operating in the second half of 2026.
Direct route to raise barriers
A new online portal will also allow robotics and defence firms to report regulatory barriers directly to the Regulatory Innovation Office. This will help identify the rules causing the most disruption and ensure that reform efforts focus on real-world problems businesses face.
The office has already worked with more than 150 companies since launching in late 2024 and is targeting sectors collectively worth over £100 billion to the UK economy.
Research suggests wider adoption of robotics across just seven sectors could add up to £150 billion to the UK economy. By cutting red tape, supporting adoption, and aligning regulation with modern technology, the government aims to turn innovation into higher productivity, safer jobs, and stronger growth across every region of the country.
