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ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION
REAPING THE REWARDS OF ROBOTICS
Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), explores how the latest robotics and automation technology can help businesses address current hurdles and expand manufacturing
he manufacturing industry faces three significant hurdles: low productivity, skills gaps and supply chain reliability. With an opportunity to solve these challenges, expand manufacturing and grow the economy, industry has no choice but to act. The UK’s productivity increased on average by 0.3% since the financial crisis1
T – it’s the worst
decade since the early 1800s. Additionally, a lack of resilience in supply chains is impacting financial performance – one in nine (12%) businesses experienced global supply chain disruption in February 20232
.
Meanwhile, recruitment is an issue. Make UK3 reports that 24% of positions are difficult to fill. For manufacturing, this figure is higher at 36%. In a sector influenced by innovation, it is easy to look to new technologies as the silver bullet to solve these challenges. However, a safer approach is using available and proven technology: automation and robotics. Despite its potential, the UK significantly lags behind other countries in the adoption of robotics and automation. A global report4
on
robot density in the manufacturing industry ranked the UK 24th in 2021 (with just 111 units per 10,000 employees). The reluctance to invest in automated technologies is due to a misperception that it’s expensive and complex. A lack of relevant skills and costs
38 SEPTEMBER 2023 | PROCESS & CONTROL
associated with retraining staff, are also perceived barriers.
However, automation and robotics have the potential to revolutionise the manufacturing industry thanks to:
- Greater agility: As demand fluctuates,
flexible automation can quickly adapt to changing production needs. - Long-term efficiencies: The ability to perform tasks 24/7 with accuracy and speed streamlines processes.
- Reduced downtime: Less human intervention means workers no longer need to work in hazardous environments, decreasing the likelihood of injury and breaks. Robotic systems can carry out repetitive jobs, so staff can perform tasks which add more value. - Increased productivity: In addition to improved productivity, automation can leverage AI to collect and analyse vast amounts of data, leading to more informed choices to increase output.
Robotics and automation also have the potential to tackle severe labour shortages. Historically, due to the complexity of adopting automation versus the cost of labour, there has not been an incentive to automate. However, the continued challenges with recruitment and higher costs of lost production are justifying more investment.
The benefits of automation and robotics technologies are accessible throughout the supply chain. If they are more widely adopted, significant elements of production can be reshored to create a local supply chain and reduce energy consumed by transportation. Although the level of skill required to use robotics effectively is much lower than before, a lack of knowledge and experience can still present challenges. To harness the full potential of automation, businesses should assess their processes, identify impact areas and invest in appropriate technologies. HowToRobot is a global automation marketplace which works in collaboration with MTC to connect businesses with tailored automation solutions. Using a web-based platform, businesses can share a summary of their needs and suppliers can respond with solutions. For businesses that are unsure, experts from the MTC can audit their current processes and provide advice, including developing solutions that are not commercially available.
It is also vital to upskill and train UK-based automation system integrators. The MTC’s independent self-assessment tool allows businesses to benchmark their capabilities and improve. We’re also developing a system integrator training programme to upskill employees based on their business’ needs. There is a need to train current and future generations of workers so that they can use, maintain and maximise value from robotics. Many projects fail due to a dependency on the skills of the supplier or integrator. This means that after project completion, there is no one in the business to advise on how to use robotics equipment to maximise ROI and to improve production efficiencies. It's crucial to view automation as a transformative tool that can drive growth, innovation, and improved competitiveness. A robust automation ecosystem in the UK, with well-trained professionals, will attract investments and encourage expansion.
Sources: 1
d/prdy 2
https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmar ket/peopleinwork/labourproductivity/timeseries/lzv
https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/b usiness/businessservices/bulletins/businessinsights
andimpactontheukeconomy/6april2023 3
skills-closing-the-gap 4
https://www.makeuk.org/insights/reports/2030-
https://ifr.org/downloads/press2018/2022_WR_exte nded_version.pdf
Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)
www.the-mtc.org/what-we- do/technologies/automation-robotics
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