In a city renowned for its financial power and cultural influence, London is quietly becoming a global hotspot for technological innovation particularly in the field of robotics. As automation and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to reshape industries, robotics companies in London are pushing the boundaries of what machines can achieve.
From advanced surgical robotics to autonomous service bots navigating busy airports, London-based firms are not only solving complex problems they’re building the future. This article explores the key players in this field while uncovering how London is nurturing a new era of robotic innovation.
What Makes London a Hub for Robotics Companies?
London’s appeal as a tech hub lies in the synergy between academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and a vibrant investment environment. Robotics thrives where talent, capital, and collaboration meet and London provides all three in abundance.
Top-tier universities such as Imperial College London and University College London have strong robotics and AI departments, creating a steady stream of research and talent. These institutions often work hand-in-hand with startups and established tech companies to commercialise new technologies, leading to rapid innovation and spin-offs.
Investment in robotics is also buoyed by London’s role as the financial capital of Europe. Venture capital firms, tech incubators, and government grants (like those from Innovate UK) support promising startups at every stage of development. Additionally, London’s tech-friendly policies and its inclusion in national initiatives like the UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Network (UK-RAS) provide a solid framework for business growth.
Combine that with access to one of the most diverse and highly skilled workforces in Europe, and it’s no surprise that many of the world’s most promising robotics companies are calling London home.
Which Are the Top 10 Robotics Companies in London?
1. Shadow Robot Company – “Robotic Hands That Rival the Human Touch”
For over three decades, Shadow Robot Company has been a trailblazer in the development of dexterous robotic hands. Their products replicate human hand movements with astonishing precision, and are used by leading research labs, aerospace agencies, and AI developers around the world.
The company’s flagship product, the Shadow Hand, is recognised as one of the most advanced humanoid hands available. With a strong focus on teleoperation and haptic feedback, Shadow enables human-robot interaction in complex and sensitive environments, such as space missions or surgical simulations.
Based in London, they continue to expand their global reach, offering cutting-edge robotic solutions that blend mechanical mastery with artificial intelligence.
Area of Expertise
Advanced humanoid hand design and teleoperation systems.
Ideal Use Case
Perfect for AI labs, research institutions, and space technology agencies.
Pricing: Custom quoted per solution
- Website: www.shadowrobot.com
- Phone: +44 207 700 2487
- Address: Unit 31, Spectrum House, 32-34 Gordon House Rd, London NW5 1LP, UK
- Email: contact@shadowrobot.com
Review: ★★★★★
“We’ve used Shadow Robot’s hand in several research projects it’s the most lifelike and responsive we’ve tested.” – Robotics Lab, University of Edinburgh
2. Automata – “Affordable Robotics for Real-World Labs”
Automata is redefining accessibility in robotics with Eva, their compact and affordable robotic arm designed specifically for lab automation. While industrial-grade robots often come with complex programming requirements and high price tags, Eva is user-friendly, cost-effective, and easy to integrate.
With a focus on biotech and life sciences, Automata is helping laboratories automate repetitive tasks such as liquid handling, pipetting, and sample management. This efficiency not only saves time but ensures precision and consistency. Headquartered in London, the company is gaining international attention for making robotics scalable for mid-sized labs and startups.
Field of Focus
Streamlined robotic automation for laboratory workflows.
Recommended Use
Excellent for clinical, pharma, and biotech automation.
Pricing: Starting from £7,000 per unit
- Website: www.automata.tech
- Phone: +44 20 3991 2253
- Address: 10 White Lion St, London N1 9PD, United Kingdom
- Email: customerservice@automata.tech
Review: ★★★★☆
“Eva is intuitive, reliable, and perfect for automating repetitive tasks we love it!” – BioLab Tech Manager, London
3. Moley Robotics – “The World’s First Robotic Kitchen”
Moley Robotics made headlines worldwide with the launch of its fully automated robotic kitchen. Designed to cook restaurant-quality meals without human intervention, Moley’s system features a pair of robotic arms that mimic human movements while following a digital recipe library.
This innovation blends robotics, AI, and smart home technology into one seamless kitchen solution. Ideal for luxury home setups, hospitality, and future-focused commercial kitchens, Moley is turning the dream of a hands-free culinary experience into a reality. With its headquarters in London, Moley is driving the smart kitchen revolution globally.
Innovation Niche
Fully automated kitchen systems with robotic precision.
Best Application
Suited for luxury homes and hospitality businesses.
Pricing: Starts at £248,000 (customisable)
- Website: www.moley.com
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7183 2373
- Address: 16a Wigmore St, London W1U 2RF, United Kingdom
- Email: Contact Form
Review: ★★★★☆
“It’s the future of home cooking clean, efficient, and surprisingly intuitive.” – Private Client, Chelsea
4. Consequential Robotics – “Assistive Robotics That Empower Lives”
Consequential Robotics is a London-based company developing assistive and educational robots aimed at improving quality of life. A standout product is MiRo, a biomimetic robot inspired by animal behaviour, used in healthcare, education, and therapeutic settings.
Developed in collaboration with the University of Sheffield and London-based design experts, MiRo is designed for social interaction, making it ideal for use in elder care or with neurodiverse individuals. The company blends neuroscience, robotics, and AI to build emotionally engaging machines that people can trust and interact with naturally.
Core Capability
Biomimetic robotics for therapy, education, and social engagement.
Best Usage Scenario
Perfect for care homes, classrooms, and therapeutic support environments.
Pricing: MiRo starts at £2,800 depending on configuration
- Website: www.consequentialrobotics.com
- Phone: +44 (0)20 8050 2434
- Address: 20 Eastbourne Terrace, Paddington, London W2 6LG
- Email: contact@consequentialrobotics.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“MiRo has made an incredible impact on our students—it’s engaging, gentle, and so intuitive.” – SEN Teacher, London
5. CMR Surgical – “Revolutionising Surgery, Robotically”
CMR Surgical is at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery with its flagship system, Versius. Though headquartered in Cambridge, the company maintains a robust operational and engineering presence in London. Versius is designed for minimally invasive procedures and offers modular, portable robotic arms that replicate the natural dexterity of the human hand.
The system is engineered for flexibility, enabling hospitals of all sizes to adopt surgical robotics. With dozens of installations worldwide, CMR is redefining precision, safety, and control in the operating theatre, making advanced surgery more accessible.
Core Focus
Cutting-edge surgical robotics for minimally invasive procedures.
Most Suitable For
Hospitals and surgical centres aiming to modernise their operations.
Pricing: System packages start from £1.5 million (based on configuration)
- Website: www.cmrsurgical.com
- Phone: +44 (0) 1223 755 300
- Address: 1 Evolution Business Park Milton Road Cambridge CB24
- Email:pressoffice@cmrsurgical.com
Review: ★★★★★
“Versius has completely changed the way we perform surgery it’s precise, efficient, and safe.” – Consultant Surgeon, NHS
6. Oxbotica – “Universal Autonomy for Every Vehicle”
Oxbotica builds sophisticated autonomous driving software designed to operate in any environment, across any vehicle type from trucks and shuttles to industrial and delivery vehicles.
Their “Universal Autonomy” platform enables full self-driving capability without relying solely on GPS or external infrastructure. What makes Oxbotica unique is its hardware-agnostic approach, offering scalable autonomy to clients in logistics, mining, and urban mobility. With a strong London-based development team, Oxbotica is setting the pace for global autonomous vehicle deployment.
Domain Knowledge
Software-first autonomous driving systems for diverse sectors.
Perfect Fit
Ideal for logistics fleets, industrial transport, and smart cities.
Pricing: Custom integration (project-based)
- Website: www.oxbotica.com
- Phone: +44 (0)1865 433 998
- Address: 8050 Alec Issigonis Way Oxford Business Park North Oxford, OX4 2FL United Kingdom
- Email: hello@oxa.tech
Review: ★★★★☆
“Oxbotica’s tech allows us to deploy driverless vehicles safely and confidently.” – Mobility Solutions Provider, UK
7. Engineered Arts – “Humanoids That Think, Speak, and Entertain”
Engineered Arts crafts some of the most lifelike humanoid robots in the world. These expressive robots are designed to interact with people in museums, science centres, and corporate environments.
With advanced facial recognition, voice response, and gestural control, their creations like Mesmer and Ameca are often seen as the face of next-gen robotics. Based partly in London, Engineered Arts pushes the boundary between technology and art offering machines that educate, entertain, and engage on a deeply human level.
Special Innovation
Realistic humanoid robots for performance and engagement.
Optimal For
Great for public exhibitions, events, and science communication.
Pricing: Starting at £50,000 depending on customisation
- Website: www.engineeredarts.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 1326 378 129
- Address: Cornwell House, 21 Clerkenwell Grn, London EC1R 0DX, UK
- Email: info@engineeredarts.com
Review: ★★★★★
“Their robots captivate every audience people forget they’re machines.” – Event Producer, London Tech Week
8. Emotech – “Emotionally Intelligent Machines for Everyday Life”
Emotech is pioneering emotionally responsive robotics, blending AI and cognitive science to develop systems that interact naturally with humans. Their flagship product, Olly, is a voice assistant robot that learns user habits, recognises emotional tone, and adapts its behaviour over time.
Built with a core philosophy of human-centric design, Emotech’s London-based team is exploring how AI can evolve beyond commands and become truly interactive. Their work sits at the intersection of smart living, cognitive computing, and digital companionship.
Innovation Focus
Emotionally aware robotics with adaptive AI behaviour.
Best Use Environment
Perfect for smart homes, wellness tech, and digital companionship.
Pricing: Not publicly listed (pre-order only)
- Website: www.emotech.ai
- Phone: +44 (0)203 488 1475
- Address: 69 Wilson St, London EC2A 2BB
- Email: info@emotech.co
Review: ★★★★☆
“Olly feels more like a companion than a device it truly understands me.” – Early Beta Tester, East London
9. Small Robot Company – “Farming Robots with a Mission”
The Small Robot Company is revolutionising agriculture with a fleet of autonomous field robots Tom, Dick, and Harry that help farmers plant, monitor, and treat crops with surgical precision.
Unlike traditional farming methods, their approach uses AI and robotics to treat individual plants, reducing the use of chemicals and improving soil health. Based in the UK with operations across London, their system is a prime example of how robotics companies in London are solving real-world sustainability challenges through automation.
Sector Mastery
Precision farming robots for sustainable agriculture.
Strongest Application
Best suited for environmentally conscious, high-efficiency farms.
Pricing: Available via “Farming-as-a-Service” subscription
- Website: www.smallrobotcompany.com
- Phone: +44 (0)1962 760099
- Address: London Office – Huckletree Shoreditch, EC2A 4NE
- Email: info@smallrobotcompany.com
Review: ★★★★★
“These robots save us time and money and are better for the planet.” – Organic Farmer, Greater London
10. Reach Robotics – “The AR Gaming Robot That Inspired a Generation” (Legacy Mention)
Though Reach Robotics ceased operations in 2019, their impact continues to resonate across education and consumer tech. Their iconic product, MekaMon, was a four-legged gaming robot that combined augmented reality with real-world gameplay.
Based in London, Reach Robotics introduced a whole generation to coding and robotics through play. While the company is no longer active, its legacy lives on in classrooms, tech museums, and as an inspiration for new startups in the space.
Notable Legacy
AR-based consumer robotics blending gaming and education.
Lasting Relevance
Still praised in STEM education and edtech communities.
Pricing: Discontinued; devices still available on resale platforms
- Website: reachrobotics.com
- Phone: +61 (2) 9519 7651
- Address: Former HQ – London & Bristol
- Email: 3-5 Queen Street, Glebe, NSW 2037, Australia
Review: ★★★★☆
“MekaMon was ahead of its time my students still talk about it.” – STEM Educator, South London
How is the Robotics Industry Evolving in London?
The robotics landscape in London has matured rapidly in the last decade, transforming from a niche cluster of engineering firms into a multifaceted industry spanning medicine, agriculture, transport, and consumer electronics.
One of the defining traits of this evolution is the integration of artificial intelligence. Machines are no longer just programmed to follow commands; they are increasingly able to learn, adapt, and make decisions. London-based robotics companies are taking full advantage of advancements in AI, machine learning, and sensor technology to build robots that are more intelligent, responsive, and efficient.
There has also been a shift from purely industrial robots toward more versatile applications. Service robots, for instance, are being deployed in airports and shopping centres, assisting customers and collecting data in real time. In healthcare, robotic systems are enabling more precise surgeries and diagnostics. Meanwhile, agricultural robots are helping farmers make data-driven decisions, improving yields and sustainability.
What is the Future of Robotics and Automation in London?
As robotics continues to evolve, London is well-positioned to lead the next wave of technological disruption. The convergence of AI, robotics, and connected technologies like 5G and IoT will bring smarter, faster, and more adaptable machines into everyday life.
Future trends include the growth of humanoid robots in customer service, advanced surgical assistants in hospitals, and collaborative robots or “cobots” working side by side with humans in warehouses and manufacturing. Sustainability will also take centre stage, with companies focusing on building energy-efficient and recyclable robotic systems.
Conclusion
London has firmly established itself as a leading centre for robotics innovation, with companies driving advancements across healthcare, automation, agriculture, and AI. From research labs to real-world applications, these robotics companies in London are shaping the future of intelligent machines and their role in our daily lives.
FAQs About Robotics Companies in London
What degree is best for a robotics career in London?
A degree in robotics, computer science, or engineering is ideal.
Do London robotics firms offer internships?
Yes, many companies provide internships for graduates and students.
Which sectors use robotics most in the UK?
Healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture lead adoption.
Are London-based robotics startups globally competitive?
Yes, several have global clients and partnerships.
What support is available for robotics startups in London?
Funding is available through Innovate UK, VCs, and accelerators.
Is robotics regulated in the UK?
Yes, safety and data regulations apply, especially in healthcare.
Can I invest in robotics companies in London?
Yes, through startup equity platforms or tech-focused funds.