The UK government plans to create a Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Leadership Council to support new types of robotics and autonomous technology. The aim is for the UK to become a global player in the sector.

The announcement follows the RAS Strategy introduced by Special Interest Group (SIG) last year, which identified key recommendations for action to encourage growth in the UK's robotics sector.

“From driverless cars to life-saving surgery, robotics and autonomous systems are playing an even bigger role in business and our day to day lives," says Vince Cable, UK business secretary.

The government will establish a leadership council that would act as a mediator between senior leaders in industry, academia and government and provide independent advisory oversight of planning and execution of the strategy.

The UK could achieve a 10% share of a market estimated to be worth £70bn ($104 billion) by 2020, according to the Strategy. The projected global impact of RAS-sector technologies could reach $1.9–$6.4 trillion per year by 2025.