Innovate UK supports Bettering Our Worlds’ ambition of derisking robotics software development

The Innovate UK Robotics Proving Ground programme, comprising the Satellite Applications Catapult, High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) represented by the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult), is an initiative designed to accelerate the development and adoption of robotics technologies. This platform provided standardised testing, commercialisation support, and industry-specific expertise to address the pressing needs of both industry pioneers and technology enthusiasts.

Universal robotics platform, Bettering Our Worlds (BOW) participated in this cutting-edge programme to refine its solutions, expand its network, and demonstrate the transformative potential of its robot-agnostic software development kit (SDK). The programme allowed BOW to access state-of-the-art testing facilities and expert guidance, empowering the company to push the boundaries of robotics innovation in real-world environments.

Overview

The robotics market is projected to reach £210 billion by 2030, yet realising the full potential of robotics is out of reach for many companies and industries, due to the high cost and complexity of programming robots. BOW’s robot-agnostic SDK and platform solves this bottleneck, making it possible for the first time to program any robot using any operating system in any programming language.

BOW makes it possible for software developers to create and deploy robotics applications and manage robots. By removing the need for highly specialised robotics programmers, their universal robotics platform allows companies to leverage the skills of generalist software developers and opens up valuable new use cases in sectors that have previously been underserved by robotics.

The Innovate UK Robotics Proving Ground programme offered BOW a unique opportunity to validate its technologies against industry standards, while participating in collaborative efforts to advance the UK’s robotics capabilities.

Opportunity

Participation in the programme enabled BOW to address key challenges faced by robotics developers, such as:

• Access to High-End Facilities: BOW leveraged MTC’s advanced collaboration spaces, additive manufacturing labs, and diverse robotic systems—including collaborative (Universal Robots), industrial (KUKA), and mobile robots (Boston Dynamics’ SPOT)—to refine and test its solutions. At ORE Catapult, specialised facilities for wind turbine and offshore component testing further validated BOW’s real-world applications.
• Collaborative Innovation: Networking with peers, universities, and industry leaders to refine solutions and explore new applications in the rapidly evolving robotics landscape.
• Market Exposure: Demonstrating innovations at flagship events such as the Robotics and Automation Conference at MTC, with partners like Compsoft Creative, to showcase practical applications.
• Strategic Input: Contributing to shaping the future of UK robotics through active participation in initiatives like the Robotics Growth Partnership Strategy Consultation Meeting.

These opportunities allowed BOW to sharpen its focus on delivering cutting-edge, robot-agnostic tools that simplify and scale robotics for various applications.

Enabling instant adaptability without requiring code changes

During the programme, BOW worked closely with experts and facilities at the MTC and ORE Catapult to test, refine, and demonstrate its technologies. A key milestone was BOW’s presence at the MTC show in Coventry in May 2024, where the company partnered with software development company, Compsoft Creative to highlight real-world use cases for its platform.

The collaboration showcased BOW’s ability to seamlessly adapt to different hardware ecosystems, with Compsoft Creative demonstrating a custom robotics application for Apple Vision Pro. The demonstration included real-time remote control and spatial computing for industrial robots, highlighting the flexibility of BOW’s SDK in enabling instant adaptability without requiring code changes—even when switching robotic hardware.

Impact

The Innovate UK Robotics Proving Ground programme offered significant benefits for BOW:

• Enhanced Innovation: BOW’s solutions were refined and validated through rigorous testing, addressing real-world industry challenges in robotics deployment.
• Industry Recognition: BOW won the Smart Factory Award at the Robotics and Automation Awards in 2024 for its work with Sacromere Dynamics and In.motion robotic. Notable achievements included:
• With Sacromere Dynamics, BOW developed a custom tele-operations robot, operational within a week. The robot delivered flawless remote performance from over 750 km away during the World Nuclear Exhibition.
• With In.motion robotic, BOW advanced applications for bionic quadruped robots, enabling them to conduct safe, reliable inspections in hazardous environments like power plants and emergency sites.
• Strategic Influence: BOW’s contributions helped shape national robotics strategy, influencing initiatives like the Robotics Growth Partnership.
• Market Readiness: The programme accelerated the adoption of BOW’s platform, demonstrating practical applications and success stories, including the partnership with Compsoft Creative.

BOW’s tools meet critical needs across multiple sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and hazardous environments. By enabling seamless control, adaptability, and scalability, BOW is leading the way in making robotics more accessible to millions more developers and operators in various industries.

The programme’s outcomes have positioned BOW as a leader in advancing smarter, more efficient, and inclusive robotic solutions for the future.

Get in touch with the Innovate UK Robotics team and learn how the programme can help you.