The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) have announced a pioneering collaboration to develop the UK’s first joint industry guidance for collaborative robotics in the workplace. Launched on 10 June 2026 at London Tech Week, this initiative aims to provide businesses with crucial clarity on regulatory requirements, fostering the safe and responsible integration of robotics.
New guidance supports safe adoption of robots in workplaces
This project, co-designed with industry stakeholders, addresses a recognised barrier to the wider adoption of robotics: a perceived fear of non-compliance with existing health and safety legislation. Despite there being no explicit legal impediments to integrating these advanced systems, many organisations have hesitated, limiting potential improvements in productivity and economic growth. The new guidance seeks to demystify the regulatory landscape, empowering companies to innovate with confidence while ensuring the highest standards of worker safety.
The HSE will partner with leading industry bodies, Automate UK and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), to develop practical, actionable advice. This collaborative effort will combine industry good practice with the HSE’s extensive regulatory expertise, creating a comprehensive framework for how collaborative robots, or ‘cobots’, can safely operate alongside human workers. The first phase of this guidance is set to be delivered this summer, specifically focusing on providing immediate regulatory clarity for cobot deployment.
Andrew Curran CBE, Director of Science and Chief Scientific Adviser at the Health and Safety Executive, underscored the importance of this proactive approach. He highlighted that clear guidance and expert advice are instrumental in giving employers the necessary confidence to innovate safely. This, in turn, provides a robust platform for new technologies to enhance productivity across various sectors and stimulate broader economic development within the UK.
The commitment from HSE, RIO, and industry partners aims directly at overcoming the existing hesitancy and boosting business confidence in robotic integration.
The initiative is timely given the advancements in robotic technology and their increasing potential to transform workplaces. By proactively addressing safety concerns and providing a clear pathway for compliance, the HSE is facilitating a future where technological innovation and worker well-being are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually reinforcing. The guidance will cover essential aspects such as risk assessment, system integration, operational procedures, and training requirements, ensuring a holistic approach to cobot safety.
As Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, the HSE is dedicated to protecting people and places, striving to help everyone lead safer and healthier lives. Their Science and Research Centre, based in Buxton, Derbyshire, stands as a world-leading hub for applied science, engineering, and research in health and safety. This deep well of scientific and technical knowledge will be crucial in formulating guidance that is both cutting-edge and practically applicable for businesses of all sizes looking to embrace collaborative robotics.
The partnership with the Regulatory Innovation Office further strengthens the project’s scope, ensuring that the guidance not only meets current regulatory needs but also anticipates future developments in robotics. This forward-thinking approach is vital for maintaining the UK’s position at the forefront of technological adoption while upholding its stringent health and safety standards. The ultimate goal remains to create an environment where businesses can harness the full potential of cobots without compromising the safety and well-being of their workforce.
This story was originally published by HSE Media Centre
