Red tape to be slashed for British robotics and defence innovators

Land January 19, 2026

A new patent analysis conducted by Withers & Rogers has revealed that innovation activity in the defence industry is outperforming that of other industry sectors and most is focused on non-traditional technologies.

The UK Government has designated robotics and defence technology as the two primary focus areas for the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO).

This strategic prioritisation is intended to remove regulatory bottlenecks that currently impede the deployment of advanced technologies, ensuring that the UK remains a competitive destination for defence innovation. By modernising outdated frameworks, the RIO aims to accelerate the commercialisation of critical developments, such as autonomous vessels for maritime patrol and robotic systems for infrastructure inspection in hazardous environments. This initiative aligns with the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy and the objectives of the Strategic Defence Review to fast-track the delivery of military equipment.

Since its inception in October 2024, the RIO has engaged with more than 150 businesses to identify barriers across high-growth sectors. Within the defence and robotics domains, companies frequently encounter complex, overlapping requirements from multiple regulatory bodies, including those governing aviation safety, data protection, and industrial standards. To mitigate these challenges, the RIO has launched a direct portal through which businesses can report specific regulatory hurdles. This mechanism provides an actionable route for sub-contractors and SMEs to influence the regulatory environment, potentially reducing the time and resource expenditure required to bring new products to market.

In support of these regulatory reforms, the government has announced a £52 million investment to establish approximately five new Robotics Adoption Hubs across the country. Funded through an Innovate UK competition scheduled to launch in the coming weeks, these hubs will be managed by universities, businesses, or public sector organisations. Each facility is slated to receive a minimum of £2 million per year over a four-year period, with operations expected to commence in the second half of 2026. These hubs will provide companies of all sizes with access to expert technical advice, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities, specifically aimed at facilitating the integration of automation into manufacturing and supply chains.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard has stated that these measures are essential to fast-tracking the military equipment required by the armed forces. By reducing the administrative burden on innovators, the government intends to position the defence sector as a primary driver of regional economic development. For businesses operating within the UK defence supply chain, these developments offer a clear framework for the adoption of autonomous technologies and a direct channel to address the rules currently hindering growth. This structured approach ensures that the UK’s regulatory environment evolves in tandem with technological advancements, supporting the long-term resilience and productivity of the defence industry.

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