The robots are coming to Orkney – they’re coming on an expedition from their home in the National Robotarium in Edinburgh. Tonight is an opportunity to meet them at first hand, and also some of the people developing the technology for the future. You can also try out some of the latest robot technology, and to enjoy activities and discussions to explore how humans interact with robots.

There are four of them, each with different skills. Pepper recognises faces and basic human emotions. Spot is agile, with jointed legs, able to navigate carefully across all sorts of terrain. G1 didn’t manage to get a name but can walk and react with human dexterity. And then there’s Ameca … who can laugh and shrug as well, and even dance!

This may be a preview of the future, as there are plans to develop a new ‘Blue Robotarium’ hub in Orkney to let marine industries test and develop robot technologies for a range of sectors including renewables, oil and gas. It’s a collaboration between Heriot-Watt Orkney, The National Robotarium, Aquatera, EMEC, Green Marine, Leask Marine and other companies at the forefront of the blue economy in Orkney.

There will be a break for tea/coffee. It’s aimed at people of 18 and over, and numbers are limited, so booking is essential.

The National Robotarium is the UK’s Centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh.

Numbers limited to 40: booking essential. Tickets £10 & £8.