What do you think are the biggest blockers to the widespread adoption of robots in the UK?

For me it's about the money, the initial capital is too high for SMEs, the ROI seems too long-term for most businesses, and finding local, affordable system integrators is tough. It's a huge financial barrier.

Isn't there also a perception problem that confuses the distinction between special tooling and basic robot. 

Is a sensor/pushrod arrangement for rejecting defective/misaligned parts on a production line a robot. How many sensors, actuators, rotation and translation axes are needed? Is an automated back-hoe digger a robot?

I suspect that the UK hides the light under the bushel and won't count a significant piece of equipment as a robot until it's capable of looking good in a Hollywood epic or advert.

Good Point, there is the issue of perception. Also what about Skills and technical know-how? i think we don't have enough of engineers trained in modern automation, programming, and digital integration to match our ambition in this regard. 

Good Point, there is the issue of perception. Also what about Skills and technical know-how? i think we don't have enough of engineers trained in modern automation, programming, and digital integration to match our ambition in this regard.