The UK government has announced a significant overhaul of regulatory frameworks to bolster innovation in robotics and defence technologies, marking a pivotal shift in its industrial strategy. The Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) has identified these sectors as priority areas, aiming to slash outdated red tape that has long hindered progress.
The RIO, established in October 2024, has already engaged with over 150 businesses, facilitating advancements in sectors worth over £100 billion. One notable success includes collaborating with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to streamline drone flight approvals, enabling companies like Apian to reduce medical delivery times from 30 minutes by van to just 2 minutes by drone.
Robotics and defence technologies are areas where British firms excel. Companies like CMR Surgical are pioneering robotic solutions to minimise invasive surgeries, revolutionising patient care. However, complex and outdated regulations often impede innovation, delaying market entry and stifling growth.
The RIO’s new focus will address these challenges by simplifying regulatory processes. For instance, companies developing autonomous inspection drones currently navigate multiple regulatory frameworks, often requiring separate approvals for aviation, data protection, and safety rules—a process that can take months and incur significant costs. By streamlining these requirements, the RIO aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative technologies, enhancing both economic growth and public safety.
Autonomous technologies, such as self-operating sea vessels, have dual applications in defence and civilian sectors. They can bolster UK defence capabilities while reducing risks to military personnel. Civilian uses include environmental monitoring and search and rescue operations.
Minister for Digital Economy, Liz Lloyd, emphasised the importance of updating regulations to support innovation: “British innovators shouldn’t be held back by needless red tape. We have world-leading robotics and defence tech firms, but regulations haven’t kept pace with their innovations. We’re updating the rules so they work for modern technologies, cutting the barriers that stop these firms from growing and competing globally.”
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, reinforced this commitment: “When we said we would make it easier for defence firms to innovate, we meant it. By cutting red tape, we’re delivering on the Strategic Defence Review’s ambition to fast-track the military equipment our forces need. We want the UK to be one of the best places in the world to start and grow a defence business—making defence an engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK.”
To further drive adoption, the government is investing £52 million in new Robotics Adoption Hubs. These hubs, to be launched in the second half of 2026, will provide businesses with expert advice, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities. Each hub will receive at least £2 million per year over four years, with additional funding available for ambitious projects.
Science Minister, Lord Vallance, highlighted the broader economic impact: “From manufacturing to healthcare, robotics can help British businesses work smarter and grow faster. These Hubs will ensure companies of all sizes can access the support they need to embrace automation, wherever they are in the country.”
Businesses in these sectors will also be able to report regulatory barriers directly to the RIO through a new portal, enabling the office to target the most problematic regulations and unlock growth.
The CBI’s Technology and Innovation Director, Naomi Weir, welcomed the initiative: “The CBI welcomes RIO’s new front door for business and the announcement of its new priority sectors. Developed in partnership with industry and technology experts, zeroing in on defence technology and robotics—strategically important areas for Industrial Strategy sectors—can really accelerate innovation and unlock growth. We look forward to working with RIO to help deliver on this ambition.”
This strategic move by the UK government is poised to not only enhance the country’s competitive edge in robotics and defence technologies but also to foster a more innovative and resilient economy. By cutting regulatory red tape and investing in critical infrastructure, the UK is setting the stage for a new era of technological advancement and economic growth.