Come face to face with your robotic future at FOS Future Lab

Meet Ameca: the humanoid redefining interaction. At the heart of The National Robotarium is the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, created by British company Engineered Arts. Powered by generative AI akin to ChatGPT, Ameca isn’t just a machine — it’s a conversationalist. 

With embedded microphones, cameras, and facial recognition software, it can wink, laugh, and engage in free-flowing dialogue that feels eerily human. At FOS Future Lab, visitors will have the chance to chat with Ameca, experiencing firsthand how it’s designed to demystify robotics and build trust in human-robot interactions. Ameca’s presence at the Robotarium is a bold step toward making robotics relatable, though its lifelike expressions can be both captivating and slightly unnerving.

But Ameca’s purpose goes beyond dazzling crowds. The National Robotarium uses it to study public perceptions of humanoid robots, gathering insights to ensure future technologies prioritise trust and user-friendliness. Whether it enjoys a Taylor Swift song or is pondering the ethics of robot rights, Ameca is a glimpse into a future where robots are companions, not competitors.

Next up, meet Spot, Boston Dynamics’ agile robo-dog, ready to tackle terrains humans can’t. Equipped with 360° vision and LiDAR, Spot is a master of navigation, capable of mapping environments in real time. At the James Hutton Institute, Spot demonstrated its prowess by inspecting agricultural fields with unmatched efficiency. At FOS Future Lab, visitors will see Spot in action, showcasing its potential to revolutionise industries like construction, agriculture, and disaster recovery. During the Robotarium’s construction, Spot completed 3D site mapping in just 30 minutes — a task that typically takes humans days.

These quadruped robots are fitted with advanced sensors to support hazardous environment research, such as offshore energy inspections. As Professor Yvan Petillot from Heriot-Watt University explains, Spot’s “telexistence” technology allows it to relay critical data to experts worldwide, enhancing safety and efficiency in high-risk settings.

The National Robotarium isn’t just about showcasing robots — it’s about inspiring the next generation. At FOS Future Lab, hands-on STEM activities will let visitors channel their inner inventor. From coding simple robot movements to exploring AI applications, these workshops are designed to spark curiosity.

Expert roboticists from the Robotarium will be on hand, offering priceless advice to budding engineers. With a focus on engaging young people, the Robotarium has already reached thousands through school visits and virtual lessons, fostering a passion for robotics, AI, and computer science.

The National Robotarium’s reach extends far beyond FOS Future Lab. In healthcare, researchers are developing robots to assist with tasks like early UTI detection, improving patient care while maintaining dignity. In construction, Spot’s real-time data collection is streamlining processes and enhancing safety.

The marine energy sector is also getting a boost through the ‘Blue Robotarium’, a new initiative to transform offshore wind farm inspections with AI-driven autonomous systems. This project, part of the UNITE collaboration with Imperial College London and Fugro, aims to deliver sustainable solutions for global energy providers.

Would you trust a robot to walk your dog or perform surgery? The National Robotarium is tackling these questions head-on, ensuring robotics advancements are ethical, transparent, and beneficial. With a state-of-the-art facility boasting sustainable features like a solar-heated façade and a living lab for assisted living research, it’s become a global leader, bridging the gap between lab and market, creating jobs and driving economic growth while addressing real-world challenges.

From Ameca’s lifelike conversations to Spot’s agile manoeuvres and hands-on STEM fun, the National Robotarium is bringing the future to life. Don’t miss the chance to witness this robotic revolution at FOS Future Lab 2025.

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The 2025 Festival of Speed takes place on 10^th-13^th July. Thursday tickets are now limited. A small batch of extra tickets for Friday–Sunday have just been released, exclusively for members of the GRRC.

Images courtesy of Stormbox Studios.