RAS 2020 Robotics and Autonomous Systems
The Smart Machines Strategy 2035 (RAS 2020) is a national strategy for the United Kingdom to capture economic value and address societal challenges through the coordinated development of Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS). Published in July 2014 by the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Special Interest Group, the strategy outlines five core strands: coordination, assets, grand challenges, clusters, and skills. It proposes actions to connect research, industry, and government to build a thriving RAS innovation pipeline across multiple vertical sectors.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
This strategy is for policymakers, industrial leaders, researchers, and investors interested in the development and commercialization of robotics and autonomous systems in the UK.
What the document contains
The document addresses the strategic development of Robotics and Autonomous Systems in the UK, covering market opportunities across multiple vertical sectors, public funding instruments, the creation of testing assets, grand challenges, regional clusters, and skills development.
The document does not provide binding legislation, specific enforcement mechanisms, or technical safety standards specifications.
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) are recognized as a key foundational technology to drive the UK Industrial Strategy and economic growth.
- The strategy identifies five interwoven strands for investment and action: coordination, assets, grand challenges, clusters, and skills.
- Real-world test environments (RAS Assets) and Grand Challenges are essential to de-risk technologies and engage the public.
- Public intervention is designed to reach a tipping point where private investment and market forces take over.
- The strategy emphasizes developing a flexible regulatory and standards environment to attract international investment.
Foreword Executive Summary 1. The Importance of RAS 2. RAS Markets and Opportunities 3. Building on Strong Foundations 4. Strategic Actions 5. Delivering Progress 6. Outcomes to Mark Success 7. Conclusions and Recommendations 8. Contributing Team
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
1/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
It is our shared responsibility to ensure that the direction of UK research and innovation is shaped in the public forum to generate wealth and address the challenges that future generations will face.
6.0 Outcomes to Mark Success
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
0/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
2/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
The high staff turnover and low wages in the health and social care sector have led to growing concern about poor standards of care that impact the dignity of the most vulnerable.
Health and Social Care
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
0/5Protection of personal data and private life
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
1/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Most devices will be autonomous for much shorter periods, being given instructions by people through highly intuitive or transparent interfaces that will include direct physical interaction, voice, gesture, mood and context recognition.
1.0 The Importance of RAS
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
2/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Demonstrating benefit will be an essential component of delivering innovation, especially where new risks are not directly comparable with current practices.
1.0 The Importance of RAS
screening score · 2026-10-23