Lack of humanoid robotics regulation risks ‘misuse’

The UK urgently needs to address the gap in regulation around the use of humanoid robots or they risk being misused, an expert has said.

Dr Carl Strathearn, a researcher in autonomous social robotics at Edinburgh Napier University, said the rapid growth of such technology is outpacing lawmakers and public understanding.

This means there is a lack of safeguards and no oversight of where and how they could be deployed.

Speaking at DataFest 2026, which started today in Edinburgh, Strathearn said: “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. At the moment anyone can buy some of these robots online.”

He added that because public knowledge of robots is shaped by promotional materials and demonstrations, which take place in highly controlled environments, there is little understanding of their capability.

He warned there was therefore a risk that they would be “misused” and that “one major incident” could have wide-reaching implications for the future of the whole industry.

With humanoid robots expected to become increasingly affordable, he says it is imperative to move sooner rather than later on regulation to ensure there are laws governing their use in in public spaces, around children, or in situations where people could be harmed.

There are also unresolved questions around safety, liability and privacy, he added.

Strathearn has called for children to be taught about robot ethics in schools as part of the STEM curriculum, given the sector will likely become a key part of the economy going forward.

DataFest, hosted by The Data Lab, is taking place on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May, with the focus this year on how data and AI are changing business, public services and society.

Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, OpenUK chief executive Amanda Brock, and AI governance expert Professor Rachel Adams are all due to address the conference.

Paul McMillan, community and events programme manager at The Data Lab, 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.”