AUTOMATION Busting the automation myths


Carl Patrick, robot sales manager – machine tool automation at FANUC UK, explains the seven reasons to embrace robotics


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n order to remain competitive, industrial companies need to produce more goods, to a higher quality and in less time. Since the fi rst industrial revolution through to the current fourth iteration, automation has been proven to boost productivity. Yet whereas the UK was once the world leader in its adoption, we now rank a lowly 24th in the world for robot density, with 111 robots per 10,000 workers. Germany, the leader in Europe, boasts 397.


There are some signs of improved take-up, however; installations of new robots and automation systems were 56% higher in the UK in 2021 than in 2015.


Here, we counter seven of the most popular misconceptions around robotics and explain why there’s never been a better time to make the move to automation.


Myth #1: Automation solves everything


Automation is not a magic bullet. If a manufacturer is looking to solve a bottleneck, then automating the process will just mean parts arriving at the bottleneck faster, exacerbating the issue. And nor will problems with quality and consistency be solved simply by installing a machine.


Instead, factory owners should seek advice from an automation expert, such as FANUC or one of our system integrator partners, about their exact needs and what they want to achieve.


Myth #2: Automation is too complicated


When it comes to operation, this doesn’t have to be complicated, either. FANUC’s user- friendly software tools – such as FANUC Ladder III, FANUC PICTURE and C-Executor – feature command systems with drop-down menus and choice paths that look comfortingly familiar, making them extremely user-friendly.


Myth #3: Automation will replace valued employees


The right automation solution will replace tasks, not people. The best way to approach a robotics project is to look at what is happening already and identify ways to do it better.


Myth #4: Why fi x something that isn’t broken? Our current equipment


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has been working fi ne for decades… Great! There’s no reason why embracing automation should require any company to ditch their current equipment, especially if it is working well. FANUC robots are regularly integrated into existing lines, complementing older machinery to enhance working practices and increase effi ciency and boost productivity. What’s more, these modern alternatives are designed to last for decades. Not only are today’s automation solutions fast, consistent, fl exible and adaptable, but they are also extremely reliable. Older machinery can require more maintenance to keep it running, meaning more time offl ine and resulting in unproductive downtime and growing repair costs.


Myth #5: We lack the in-house skills to programme a robot


The amount of knowledge and expertise that businesses already have on site often comes as a surprise. If employees are used to setting up CNC equipment, they will fi nd it much easier to set up a robot. FANUC software does not require in-depth knowledge of coding. Simple drop down ‘nesting’ menus with standard procedures and a range of Yes/No choices make today’s advanced automation systems far simpler and more adaptable than previous iterations, and easily capable of being programmed by in-house staff.


Myth #6: Any automation system we install will quickly become obsolete


Robot technology and tasks, such as pick, turn and place, have been around for decades. What has changed is control software and the tools that can be attached to them. Robotic tools will last at least as long as ordinary tools but deliver far more value throughout their lifespan.


Myth #7: Automation is prohibitively expensive


The key here is only to buy equipment appropriate to need and to focus on the total cost of ownership, rather than the initial purchase price. By speaking with an experienced automation provider, manufacturers can ensure that their system is not over-specifi ed, and that it will deliver a good return on investment over the planned lifespan of the installation.


The UK government is encouraging the purchase of capital equipment with annual investment allowances that enable machinery costing up to £1,000,000 to be fully offset against profi ts in a single year. And the rise in corporation tax means that tax reliefs are now even more valuable.In addition, banks and fi nance companies offer a range of fi nancing packages, including leasing, that can spread costs by offsetting them against taxable revenues.


OCTOBER 2023 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS


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