A group that seeks to develop a community in dependable robotics , with particular focus on security and safety.
The Safe and Secure Robotics initiative focuses on advancing the design, deployment, and governance of autonomous robotic systems that operate safely, securely, and ethically in complex real-world environments. As robots are increasingly deployed in safety-critical and human-centred settings, ensuring their resilience, trustworthiness, and alignment with societal values has become a pressing challenge.
This work brings together a UK-wide interdisciplinary community spanning robotics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, psychology, human factors, ethics, law, and key application sectors to address these challenges in a coordinated and impactful way.
The initiative prioritises the development of safe-by-design, security-by-design, and privacy-by-design frameworks that are embedded throughout the robotic lifecycle, from system architecture and interaction design to deployment and long-term operation. Through collaborative workshops, horizon scanning, and shared research activities, the group identifies critical gaps at the intersection of robotics and cybersecurity, including real-time safety assurance, secure autonomy, and responsible data use. These insights inform strategic outputs such as the Safe and Secure Robotics Research Agenda 2030, providing clear direction for future research, standards, and policy development.
By fostering inclusive community building, supporting early-career researchers, and aligning closely with the UK Cyber Strategy, the initiative strengthens national capacity and leadership in safe and secure robotics.
Key aims
This SIG aims to establish a UK-wide community dedicated to advancing safe, secure, and privacy-aware autonomous robotic systems across human-centred and critical application domains, including healthcare, education, assistive living, defence, and manufacturing. The overarching aim is to develop and evaluate security-by-design and privacy-by-design frameworks that ensure autonomous robots, particularly those operating in safety-critical or high-risk environments, are trustworthy, resilient, and ethically aligned with user, organisational, and societal needs.
Advance the UK Cyber Strategy
The group will support the UK National Cyber Strategy by strengthening cybersecurity in next-generation autonomous robotic systems, enhancing the resilience of critical services while reinforcing the UK’s leadership in autonomous and cyber-physical technologies.
Foster Interdisciplinary Research
The SIG will unite expertise from robotics, cybersecurity, AI, ethics, law, human factors, psychology, and key application sectors to address safety and privacy challenges in autonomous robotics. This collaboration will enable the co-development of real-time safety mechanisms and user-centred privacy frameworks aligned with CRANE’s multidisciplinary mission.
Identify Game-Changing Research Needs
Through workshops and horizon scanning, the SIG will identify critical research gaps at the robotics–cybersecurity interface. These insights will be consolidated into the Safe and Secure Robotics Research Agenda 2030 to guide future research, standards development, and innovation.
Build a Sustainable and Inclusive Community
The SIG will establish a national, inclusive network spanning academia, industry, public services, and policy. Through online engagement, regional activities, and mentorship for early-career researchers, it will support long-term capacity building and impact in safe and secure robotics.
Main contacts
Dr. John A Clark
Professor of Computer and Information Security (Lead), University of Sheffield
Dr. Jims Marchang
Senior Lecturer in Cybersecurity, Sheffield Hallam University
Upcoming events
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