Humanoid robots are moving closer to everyday life, but the UK lacks the laws and safeguards needed to protect the public, a leading researcher has warned.
Dr Carl Strathearn, a lecturer in computer science and researcher in autonomous social robotics at Edinburgh Napier University, said the rapid growth of humanoid robots is outpacing regulation and public understanding.
He was speaking ahead of the sold-out DataFest 2026, Scotland’s national data and AI conference, which is hosted by The Data Lab and begins today at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.
This year’s event will explore how data and AI are changing business, public services and society, with sessions covering trust, regulation, skills, robotics, infrastructure, creativity and AI consciousness.
Dr Strathearn is among a line-up of international speakers, including Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, OpenUK chief executive Amanda Brock, and AI governance expert Professor Rachel Adams. He said falling costs mean humanoid robots are becoming increasingly affordable, and that the UK should act to regulate them now rather than wait for problems to emerge. He said:
“Humanoid robots are not science fiction anymore. They’re science fact. We are developing the technology faster than the safeguards around it.
“The time to act is now. Rather than waiting for it to come to our door, we should start now.
“At the moment, anyone can buy some of these robots online.”
Dr Strathearn said much of the current public understanding of humanoid robots is being shaped by highly controlled demonstrations and promotional videos. He argued that many robots still struggle outside carefully managed environments, despite the impression often created online. He added:
“I don’t think robots are going to take over the world. A choreographed video is not the real truth of a robot’s capabilities.
“But the risk is that they are misused, and it only takes one major incident for it to ripple through the whole industry.
“We should also be teaching schoolchildren about robot ethics. Robots are a really tangible way of learning key STEM skills, and preparing people for the future economy.”
Humanoid robots are increasingly being developed by some of the world’s biggest technology firms, with companies promoting visions of robots working in factories, warehouses, homes, and public spaces.
But there are currently no specific UK laws governing their use in public spaces, around children, or in situations where people could be harmed. There are also unresolved questions around safety, liability, privacy, and misuse.
Dr Strathearn said other major economies, including China and the US, are already beginning to look more closely at humanoid robot standards and oversight, while the UK risks falling behind.
Paul McMillan, community and events programme manager at The Data Lab, said:
“DataFest is designed to bring together different perspectives from across technology, business, academia and policy to discuss some of the biggest questions surrounding AI and emerging technologies.
“As AI systems become more powerful and visible in everyday life, conversations around trust, governance, regulation and public understanding are becoming increasingly important.
“Dr Strathearn’s session reflects exactly the kind of debate DataFest aims to encourage, looking at how we balance innovation and opportunity with responsibility and public confidence.
“Alongside discussions around robotics and AI, this year’s programme explores everything from cybersecurity and infrastructure to skills, creativity and the long-term impact of AI on society.”