Humanoid robots could soon become a common sight in homes, schools and workplaces — but Scots experts have warned the UK is dangerously unprepared for the risks they pose.
Researchers say rapid advances in artificial intelligence are outpacing laws designed to protect the public, raising fears over safety, privacy and how robots could interact with vulnerable people.
Dr Carl Strathearn, an expert in autonomous social robotics at Edinburgh Napier University, warned ministers must act now before the technology becomes widespread.
Speaking ahead of Scotland’s national AI conference DataFest 2026 in Edinburgh, 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.”
View 4 ImagesHumanoid robots are incredibly life-like.(Image: Dr Carl Strathearn.)
Dr Strathearn warned that some humanoid robots can already be bought online by anyone, despite there being no specific UK laws covering their use around children, in public spaces, or in potentially dangerous situations.
The academic said public understanding of the technology is also being distorted by carefully staged online videos showing robots performing tasks in tightly controlled environments.
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.”
Humanoid robots are increasingly being developed by major global technology firms, with companies promoting visions of machines working in warehouses, factories, homes and customer-facing roles.
But experts say serious questions remain unanswered over liability, surveillance, data privacy and who would be responsible if a robot harmed somebody.
Dr Strathearn also called for robot ethics to be taught in schools, arguing the technology could become an important part of preparing young people for future jobs.
View 4 ImagesExperts have warned ministers to act.
He said: “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.”
The warnings come as DataFest 2026 opens at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms today, bringing together experts from technology, business and government to debate the future of AI and robotics.
Speakers at the event include Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, OpenUK chief executive Amanda Brock and AI governance expert Professor Rachel Adams.
View 4 ImagesExhibition at Merchiston campus in May 2026
Paul McMillan, community and events programme manager at The Data Lab, said discussions around trust, regulation and public confidence were becoming increasingly urgent as AI systems become more visible in everyday life.
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He said: “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.”
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