The Robot Landscape
Types of Robots
A guide to the major categories of robots available to UK businesses today — and what they're best used for.
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Designed to work safely alongside humans without safety caging. Ideal for assembly, pick-and-place, packaging, and quality inspection. Key vendors: Universal Robots, KUKA, Dobot.
Industrial Robotic Arms
High-speed, high-precision arms for welding, painting, and heavy assembly. Require safety enclosures. Key vendors: ABB, Fanuc, KUKA, Yaskawa.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
Navigate warehouses and facilities independently, moving goods and materials. Key vendors: MiR, Fetch Robotics, Locus Robotics, Geek+.
Legged / Quadruped Robots
Navigate uneven terrain for inspection and security. Boston Dynamics Spot leads this category; Unitree offers lower-cost alternatives.
Service & Hospitality Robots
Customer-facing robots for hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and retail. Key vendors: Temi, BellaBot, Keenon.
Drones & Aerial Robots
Inspection, surveying, delivery, and security applications. Regulated in UK by the CAA. Key vendors: DJI Enterprise, Skydio, Zipline.
Agricultural Robots
Crop monitoring, precision spraying, harvesting, and soil analysis. Key vendors: Small Robot Company, Fendt, AGCO.
Healthcare & Care Robots
Dispensing medications, supporting mobility, monitoring patients. A fast-growing UK sector driven by NHS demand.