Working with Robotics - Are you ready willing and able? DINs Digital & Data and People & Culture channels are joining forces to offer another chance to visit the National Robotarium on Wednesday 19th March 2025.

Last year’s study visit to the National Robotarium was a resounding success. It sparked fascinating conversations, provided plenty of food for thought, and, importantly, left us asking more questions than it answered! While technical, digital, and data topics were the focus, the discussions also delved into culture, people, ethics, and the readiness of our sector for the fusion of robotics and AI.

Join us at DIN’s combined Digital & Data and People & Culture study visit, co-hosted by Waterstons, at the National Robotarium, part of Heriot-Watt University Campus in Edinburgh.

The National Robotarium, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, is at the forefront of the UK’s robotics revolution. It works directly with industry to test and develop pioneering robotic, AI, and automated technologies, accelerating the journey from lab to market. This is your chance to see cutting-edge innovation in action and explore the transformative role robotics is set to play in our lives.

What will the day cover?

• Discover Robotic Assisted Living: Explore technologies already supporting independent living.
• Real-World Solutions: See how robotics is solving everyday challenges.
• Cultural and Ethical Impacts: Learn how robotics adoption affects people and organisational culture.
• Emerging Use Cases: Gain insights into the applications of robotics for social landlords.
• Tour the Facilities: Including the state-of-the-art LARA Lab and experience robotics and AI in a model home.
• Expert Discussions: Engage with Waterstons’ Innovation Team and The Roboratiums robotics researchers and experts to explore potential applications in social housing generally and your organisation.

• Guest Speakers include Sean Lawless, Director of Insight & Transformation at North Star Housing Group. Sean has led on North Star's innovation through partnership journey which has seen North Star work on projects in the past two years with partners including National Innovation Centre for Data, University of York and AWS. Sean has been leading on piloting robotics in social housing for North Star, with a keen focus on the social research and impact robotics can have, especially in supported housing settings.

Why attend?

This event offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the forefront of innovation and explore how AI and automated technology can enhance our everyday lives and how we culturally can adopt its use.

Who should attend?

This event is perfect for anyone curious about the future of robotics and its deployment across housing, property, and care sectors. Whether you’re a CEO, Executive Director, Technology or People Lead or just interested in exploring the art of the possible, this day will not disappoint.

“If you want to take housing services and housing provision to the next level – then you need to secure a place at DINs next Robotarium Study visit. This study tour and discussion is both fascinating and inspiring about the possibilities and current practical applications of Robots and AI technology in the delivery of Housing services – particularly to address the growing health and care role which many social landlords must assume, to ensure the wellbeing of an ageing population of tenants and residents.” Craig Stirrat – CEO, Grampian Housing

'The visit to the Robotarium was fascinating. Such an inspiring space and hub of innovation. It was great to discuss and see many potential use cases on how robotics could be used to improve and transform how we deliver landlord and care services. The trick is how we can collaborate as a sector and scale up viable opportunities.' Neil Ferguson – Director of Business Development and Digital, Trust Housing Association.