This paper focuses on the development and research activities that aim to promote the knowledge-based utilization of robotics, social robotics included, for the renewal of welfare services in Northern Finland. Long geographical distances and rapidly ageing population create specific challenges to the reachability and accessibility of services in Northern Finland. This paper discusses the uptake of robotics in renewing welfare services through two ongoing development projects implemented in Northern Finland. The two projects highlight the need to 1) model robotics development environments in the welfare, social and health sector; 2) build and strengthen networks of multi-professional and multidisciplinary robotics experts for the benefit of welfare services in Northern Finland, 3) activate the operating area and identify its support needs in the context of welfare services; and 4) test robotics in selected development environments.