March 4 2021

Work has begun to deliver a £22.4m robotics centre at Heriot-Watt University, the largest and most advanced facility of its kind in the UK.

Operated in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh The National Robotarium will serve as a hub for the development of hardware and software behind autonomous systems, drawing together academics and industry to spearhead new science.

David Cairns, managing director, Robertson Construction Central East said: “The National Robotarium building is designed to be as innovative as the research taking place within its walls. The commitment to sustainability and the wellbeing of its staff and students mean the facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology for energy efficiency and production and will boast considerable green space."

Spanning 40,000sq/ft the Robotarium has been designed by Michael Laird Architects to accommodate three distinct research and development laboratories, all focussed on a related area of research.

Each area will be accessed from a 2.5 storey atrium which connects all labs and workplaces both physically and visually to foster a spirit of collaboration.

2 Comments

#1 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 4 Mar 2021 at 14:19 PM

The cost per m2 looks a bit of the high side.
Not sure that cutting edge tech needs fancy architecture -- makes them all a bit fat and happy.

Better a draughty attic or a leaky portacabin -- if they don't produce they don't eat.

#2 Posted by PWilson on 5 Mar 2021 at 17:07 PM

If your spending 22m then surely at the very least pay to get a decent visual produced. This is showing the building in context taken to the next level.... half a mile away

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