Despite strong enthusiasm for robotics across UK industry, significant barriers around safety, regulation and workforce readiness are delaying widespread adoption, according to a new report from QNX, the embedded software division of BlackBerry.
The study, based on a March 2025 survey of 1,000 industrial decision-makers globally – including 150 from the UK – reveals that nearly two-thirds (64%) of UK businesses not currently using robotics plan to introduce them in the future.
However, only 12% intend to do so within the next 12 months and 29% are yet to determine a timeline, signalling uncertainty in execution.
UK respondents cited advancements in technology (94%) and cost reduction (90%) as primary motivators for adoption. Yet high initial costs (50%), maintenance and downtime (35%), and a shortage of skilled workers (34%) remain persistent obstacles.
Notably, almost a third (31%) of UK decision-makers said their organisations have faced safety risks linked to robotics, and a similar proportion believe current policy and regulatory frameworks are inadequate – particularly with regard to ethical guidelines.
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“The data makes clear that while UK industry is enthusiastic about robotics, lingering doubts about regulation and safety are slowing the pace of adoption,” said João Pereira, director of EMEA general embedded markets at QNX.
“Clearer legislation and enhanced education on robotics’ capabilities will be critical in building trust and unlocking their full potential.”
Despite these issues, the UK ranks high in terms of comfort with robotic systems. Some 72% of UK industrial leaders reported being comfortable working alongside robots, surpassing both the European average (67%) and global average (70%).
Additionally, UK businesses show high levels of trust (81%) in using robotics for essential enterprise functions, second only to China (92%).
Yet, concerns remain. Some 63% of UK respondents expressed apprehension over security risks, and 42% listed job displacement as a major threat to workforce morale – the highest rate in any region outside North America.
QNX’s findings come ahead of the UK government’s expected summer update to its Invest 2035 strategy, which champions emerging technologies to drive economic growth.
Achievements and innovations in retail and e-commerce, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, automotive, transport & logistics, and more will be celebrated at the Robotics & Automation Awards on 29 October 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s robotics and automation sectors!
