FEATURE ROBOTICS & MOTION CONTROL INDUSTRY COMMENT
by Grant Collier, British Automation and Robot Association (BARA)
T
he chronic shortage of skills in the engineering sector may force
long needed automation in the UK, especially within Britain’s largest industry - the food sector according to the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA). An estimated 170,000 job vacancies
will become available in the food sector alone in the run up to 2020 with a rapidly ageing workforce. Grant Collier from BARA commented, “We have an ongoing shortage of skills across industry and even the large blue chip companies are finding it difficult to recruit, particularly at apprenticeship level and earn while you learn. This has meant many more companies are interested in looking at automation as a solution. However, this is only part of the answer as it has been proven by an independent study by Metra Martech that robots and factory automation actually create more jobs than they destroy.” Redeployment to more skilled
robot operator positions and downstream jobs created by increased capacity and sales is a common result of automation. Whilst this is good for business, it simply perpetuates the recruitment issue. Although the UK has increased its
use of automation over the last few years there is still a lot of work to be done. One of the alternatives to the severe shortage of skilled personnel in the UK is the robot. BARA actively supports a number of initiatives to both help promote the use of automation and address the skills shortage. Initiatives include the governments Automating Manufacturing programme, the Automation Advisory Board and the promotion of apprenticeships through Appetite for Skills and Engineering. The uptake of automation and
robots in China and the BRIC nations is taking place at an alarming rate in the face of increased labour costs to remain competitive. It is essential that in order for the UK to retain competitive advantage it takes advantage of the latest robot and automation solutions.
BARA
www.bara.org.uk T: 020 8773 8111
SURVEY REVEALS THE OBSTACLES to robotic advancement
As ABB explain, the advance of UK manufacturing is being hampered by a lingering reluctance to invest in robotic automation
A
recent survey of UK manufacturers carried out on behalf of ABB Robotics has revealed that
concerns over cost of ownership and lack of experience in implementing and using robots are preventing many companies from investing in robotic automation. The survey received responses from 221
companies of all sizes, including SMEs. Of these, 134 are not currently using robots, with 65 ruling out introducing a robot in the near future. When asked to specify their reasons, 21 cited cost of purchase and ownership and 38 gave lack of experience as major reasons for shying away from investing in robotic automation. “The survey reveals the need for more to be
done to educate UK manufacturers both about the case for investing in robots and the help available in the market to enable them to get the most from their investment,” commented Mike Wilson, general industry sales and marketing manager for ABB’s UK Robotics business. “Despite significant falls in the cost of robots and robot systems in recent years, there is a lingering misconception that robotic automation is prohibitively expensive for UK companies, particularly in the SME sector. “There is real evidence to show that an
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investment in a robot can often be recouped within just 12 to 18 months. This, coupled with the ready availability of training and support services from many UK robot suppliers and their partners, means that many companies in the UK could be
32 MAY 2014 | AUTOMATION
missing out on the very real benefits of introducing robotic automation to their processes.” Indeed, the survey highlights a clear divide
between the experiences of those who have used and benefitted from robotic automation and those who have yet to try it. Key benefits reported by the 87 respondents that
are currently using robotic automation include reduced operating costs (75%), improved product quality and consistency (68%) and increased production output rates (75%). “The survey results show that those companies
that are seeing real benefits from their use of robotic automation are highly likely to make further investments in additional robots,” said Wilson. “Of the 87 respondent companies currently using robots, 75% were either likely or highly likely to invest in additional robots in the next 18 months.” To help companies to assess the scope for
introducing robotic automation into their processes, ABB offers a free, no obligation Productivity & Efficiency Appraisal service. Lasting half a day, the appraisal includes a visit by an ABB engineer who will help to spot potential areas where robots could help deliver productivity and efficiency savings.
ABB Robotics
www.abb.com T: 01908 350 300
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