The Regulation, Governance and Ethics of Smart Robotic Systems in Manufacturing: UK and EU Insights

This White Paper—intended for policymakers, regulators, and other key stakeholders, such as employers, trade unions—outlines key regulatory, governance, and ethics considerations surrounding smart robotic systems aimed at the manufacturing sector. Drawing on the interdisciplinary research conducted within the UKRI Made Smarter Innovation-Research Centre for Smart, Collaborative Industrial Robotics, this White Paper outlines existing frameworks for collaborative robots and smart robotic systems and provides recommendations for their reform to support safer and more effective adoption in manufacturing.