HSE and RIO join forces at London Tech Week to unlock cobot adoption

Under a new initiative, HSE is partnering with Automate UK and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to draft practical guidance on how collaborative robots (cobots) can safely work alongside humans. 

The first stage, launching this summer will deliver regulatory clarity for cobots and give industry confidence in how they can ensure robots can work safely alongside humans.

The work is part of a new alliance between HSE and the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) – the government body established to speed up regulatory decisions and cut red tape – to support the safe and responsible deployment of workplace robotics.

Co-designed with industry, the project was launched yesterday (10 June) at London Tech Week to give businesses clear regulatory pathways and the confidence to scale up automation. 

HSE says a fear of non-compliance with safety law is limiting adoption of cobots in UK industries. Photograph: iStock

Andrew Curran CBE, HSE’s director of science and chief scientific adviser, said: “We recognise how guidance and advice can give employers the confidence to innovate safely and provide a platform for new technology to improve productivity and enable growth."

“We understand that despite there being no barrier to adoption in health and safety law there is a fear of non-compliance, which is limiting adoption. Therefore, we are committed to working with the Regulatory Innovation Office and industry partners to deliver the first joint HSE and industry guidance on the use of cobots to address this barrier and improve business confidence.”

RIO was established in 2024 to bring regulators together, eliminate “unnecessary obstacles”, and overhaul “outdated regulations”. Its primary focus areas include emerging tech such as AI, robotics, drones, space, and digital healthcare.