Visit to Heriot-Watt University (including the National Robotarium and International Centre for Brewing and Distilling)
2026/5/15
On Friday, 15th May, Consul General Katsutoshi Takeda visited the Edinburgh campus of Heriot-Watt University and exchanged views with Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal of Business and Enterprise, regarding various matters including plans for the newly established Sustainable Brewing and Distillation Centre (CSBD). He also toured the National Robotarium and the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling located on the campus.
The National Robotarium is one of the UK's largest applied research facilities specialising in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). The world-leading innovation hub officially opened in September 2022 in partnership with the University of Edinburgh. During his visit, guided by Chief Operating Officer Steve Maclaren, Consul General Takeda witnessed the forefront of robotics and AI, including the "Assisted Living Lab," where elderly support technologies are tested in a realistic simulated house; the "Harsh Environment Test Area," where underwater drones and quadruped robots are experimented with; and the "Advanced Research and Development Space," where high-precision lasers and the latest humanoid robot "Ameca" are in operation.
Next, guided by Professor Dawn Maskell, Consul General Takeda toured the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling, where he was shown world-class, state-of-the-art equipment covering the entire process of whisky, beer and gin production. This ranged from from advanced research laboratories and greenhouses for raw material procurement and yeast analysis, to a 200-liter test brewing facility for verifying practical manufacturing methods, and traditional yet cutting-edge test distilling facilities (pot stills). Consul General Takeda also received a briefing on the centre’s long-standing cooperative relationships with Japanese companies, including Suntory, Kirin, Asahi, and Nikka.
The National Robotarium is one of the UK's largest applied research facilities specialising in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). The world-leading innovation hub officially opened in September 2022 in partnership with the University of Edinburgh. During his visit, guided by Chief Operating Officer Steve Maclaren, Consul General Takeda witnessed the forefront of robotics and AI, including the "Assisted Living Lab," where elderly support technologies are tested in a realistic simulated house; the "Harsh Environment Test Area," where underwater drones and quadruped robots are experimented with; and the "Advanced Research and Development Space," where high-precision lasers and the latest humanoid robot "Ameca" are in operation.
Next, guided by Professor Dawn Maskell, Consul General Takeda toured the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling, where he was shown world-class, state-of-the-art equipment covering the entire process of whisky, beer and gin production. This ranged from from advanced research laboratories and greenhouses for raw material procurement and yeast analysis, to a 200-liter test brewing facility for verifying practical manufacturing methods, and traditional yet cutting-edge test distilling facilities (pot stills). Consul General Takeda also received a briefing on the centre’s long-standing cooperative relationships with Japanese companies, including Suntory, Kirin, Asahi, and Nikka.