
Veterans in Robotics: A Military‑to‑Civilian Pathway into Autonomous‑Systems Careers
Introduction From bomb‑disposal droids rolling through Basra to AI‑driven picking arms inside Ocado warehouses, robotics has already transformed how we fight wars and fill shopping baskets. The UK Government’s Robotics & Autonomous Systems (RAS) Roadmap 2030 predicts £100 billion in annual economic impact and 260,000 new jobs by the end of the decade. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) mirrors this growth with programmes such as Project Theseus (autonomous last‑mile resupply) and NavyX Autonomy Accelerator. Veterans—battle‑tested in remote‑handling, mission planning, and safety protocols—have precisely the mindset employers need. Whether you piloted EOD robots, maintained UAVs, or orchestrated logistic convoys, you already think in joints, sensors, and control loops. This guide shows you how to translate military experience into civilian robotics roles, tap MoD transition programmes, and secure a rewarding career at the cutting edge of automation. Quick Win: Explore our live Robotics Engineer roles to see who’s hiring today.