UK’s ARIA Funds Robotics Project Focused to Give Machines Muscle and Electronic Skin

The UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), often compared to the US DARPA, is investing in cutting-edge robotics. The agency has unveiled a £52 million programme aimed at advancing synthetic muscles, electronic skin, and mechanical hands to improve robot dexterity.

The initiative seeks to bridge the widening gap between robotics hardware and AI-powered software. While artificial intelligence has seen rapid advancements, robot bodies remain significantly less flexible, precise, and responsive than human counterparts. ARIA hopes this funding will close the gap, unlocking new possibilities for automation and human productivity.

Addressing Labour Shortages with Robotics

ARIA emphasises the urgency of progress in robotics, particularly as global demographics shift. By 2100, the proportion of people over 65 is expected to triple, exacerbating labour shortages in physically demanding sectors. The development of more dexterous robots could provide crucial support in industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare.

Innovative Robotics Teams and Their Projects

The selected teams represent a mix of startups, academic institutions, and large enterprises. Their work includes:

• Arthur Robotics (London) – Developing a mechanical hand inspired by biology, featuring deformable contact surfaces and reinforcement learning for enhanced grip.
• University College London (UCL) – Led by Associate Professor Lorenzo Jamone, this team is designing magnetic-based electronic skin that can bend, stretch, and measure 3D contact forces.
• Pliantics (Denmark) – Creating soft linear actuators, or “artificial muscles,” to improve robotic physical interactions.
• Artimus Robotics (USA) & University of Bristol – Collaborating on another artificial muscle project to further enhance robotic movement.

Nicholas Kellaris, co-founder and Chief Research Officer of Artimus, highlighted the collaborative nature of the programme:

“This programme is unique in how it encourages and actively facilitates collaboration amongst creators at all levels of development, from fundamental hardware to the simulation, integration, and validation of full solutions,” he said. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to [join] this multi-level and cross-disciplinary approach.”

ARIA’s Mission and Future Plans

Founded in 2023, ARIA supports high-risk, high-reward projects. Its model mirrors DARPA’s approach, which has led to major technological breakthroughs such as GPS, the internet, and autonomous vehicles.

ARIA is already funding a range of ambitious projects, including AI safety guarantees, climate crisis early warning systems, and cost-effective AI training methods inspired by nature. With the launch of this robotics initiative, ARIA is expanding its focus into advanced hardware development, bringing a new wave of innovation to UK research.