UK-Canada Spotlight:
Unpacking State-Backed Robotics Adoption Incentives
Navigating trade barriers and national deployment hubs to scale middle-power robotics ecosystems and drive SME automation.
Featured Panelists
Deputy Director, Technology Strategy and Security, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology (BIST)
Panel Overview
As global competition in physical automation accelerates, Western nations are pursuing distinct industrial strategies to scale robotics adoption. In response to China’s state subsidies, the United States is deploying trade barriers and FCC restrictions on foreign-produced mobile robotics designed to reshape supply chains and protect domestic manufacturing. Across the Atlantic, the UK is taking a direct deployment approach—committing £38 million to establish a national network of Robotics Adoption Hubs dedicated to de-risking robotics integration for SMEs. In Canada, industry leaders and academic partners are mobilizing grassroots consortia to build domestic adoption infrastructure from the ground up.
This mainstage Spotlight unpacks competing global trade tactics, examines how middle powers can build strong robotics ecosystems that strengthen SME-driven economies, and explores the mechanics of domestic adoption hub networks and the policy levers needed to build them.
About the Panelists
Dr. Isabel Webb
Dr. Isabel Webb is Deputy Director for Technology Strategy and Security at the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) in the UK Government. Before starting this role, she worked within the same team as Head of Engineering Biology. Isabel previously worked in the Business Secretary's Office as a Senior Private Secretary covering science, innovation and nuclear policy. Prior to that Isabel led on digital, tech and culture in the No10 Policy Unit, as well as previous policy roles in DExEU, Defra and BEIS. She holds a PhD in molecular microbiology from the John Innes Centre, Norwich.
Pablo Molina
Pablo Molina has spent more than a decade leading the development and commercialization of autonomous robotics solutions. With a background in mechatronics and aerospace engineering, Pablo has dedicated his career to bridging cutting-edge robotics research with real-world industry applications. He serves as Co-Chair of the Industrial Committee at the Canadian Robotics Council, where he advocates for robotics adoption and national innovation strategy. A frequent speaker on robotics, AI, and automation, he is passionate about strengthening Canada’s robotics ecosystem and helping organizations harness robotics to improve productivity and competitiveness.
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