Ameca Arrives in the UK: Building Public Trust in AI and Robotics
Ameca, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, is now part of a major initiative by the National Robotarium to make robotics and AI more accessible across Scotland.
As the UK’s leading center for robotics and AI based at Heriot-Watt University in partnership with The University of Edinburgh the National Robotarium has become the first UK facility to host Ameca, developed by Engineered Arts.
This move marks a key step in building public trust in advanced technologies and promoting hands-on engagement with the future of robotics.
The National Robotarium has acquired Ameca, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, as part of its mission to demystify robotics and AI for the public. This initiative supports the facility’s broader goal of building trust and understanding around emerging technologies across Scotland.
Developed by Engineered Arts, Ameca features cutting-edge capabilities such as facial recognition, embedded microphones and cameras, and highly articulated motorised components, allowing it to engage with people in an intuitive, human-like way.
As a key part of the Robotarium’s public engagement strategy, Ameca will take center stage at events, school visits, and workshops , giving people of all ages the chance to interact directly with the robot. These experiences aim to break down barriers and spark curiosity about robotics and AI.
In parallel, researchers will study how people respond to Ameca, using those insights to shape future technologies that emphasize trust, transparency, and user-focused design.
National Robotarium Welcomes Ameca to Inspire Public Trust in AI and Robotics
The National Robotarium, the UK’s leading centre for robotics and artificial intelligence—based at Heriot-Watt University in partnership with The University of Edinburgh—has become the first UK facility to host Ameca, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot.
Created by UK-based Engineered Arts, Ameca is designed to interact with people in natural, human-like ways using embedded microphones, cameras, facial recognition, and highly articulated motorised components. Its arrival marks a major step in the National Robotarium’s mission to make robotics more accessible and relatable to the public.
A New Era of Public Engagement
Steve Maclaren, Chief Operating Officer at the National Robotarium, said:
“The arrival of Ameca marks a significant step forward in our mission to make robotics more accessible and relatable to the people of Scotland, the UK, and beyond.
Since opening in September 2022, we’ve hosted over 100 in-person and virtual events, engaging thousands of school-aged children. Ameca represents an exciting opportunity to build on that success—giving people the chance to interact with this state-of-the-art humanoid firsthand, fostering trust in human-robot interaction, and highlighting how robotics and AI can positively impact everyday life.”
The facility’s public engagement team will feature Ameca at events, school visits, and workshops across Scotland and beyond. These hands-on experiences aim to break down barriers, spark curiosity, and deepen public understanding of robotics and AI.
Shaping the Future Through Research
In addition to outreach, researchers at the Robotarium will study public attitudes toward humanoid robots using Ameca, gathering insights to help shape future technologies that emphasize trust, transparency, and ease of use.
Will Jackson, Founder and CEO of Engineered Arts Ltd., said:
“We are incredibly proud to have Ameca join the many preeminent robots at the National Robotarium. Meeting an AI-embodied humanoid robot is a unique experience that few have witnessed, and we’re excited to help share what can be a profound moment with a wider audience.”
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