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Investment in people electrifies performance and pays off for electricity metering company
ABB COLUMN FOSTERING A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE
When manufacturers start embracing digital technologies, such as robotic automation, the benefits aren’t limited to increased productivity and minimised waste. The workforce also benefits from a safer working environment, enhanced
working practices and more enjoyable, upskilled jobs. In the UK, the HSE reported that 34,000 workers
sustained an injury at work in the manufacturing sector last year. These injuries were caused by a range of risks, including handling heavy payloads, stacking and packing containers and pushing trollies, all of which could be alleviated by using robots. Many of our customers are starting to see robots as people-facilitators, supporting their workforce to help ensure the factory floor becomes a much safer environment in which to work. Introducing robots on factory floors can also enhance work by creating opportunities for workers to be trained to become robot operators and programmers and have more significant roles in the production process. Using robots to undertake more mundane tasks also provides an opportunity to upskill workers, which in the long-term will help the UK economy address the shortage of 124,000 skilled engineers needed each year for manufacturing businesses. Keeping pace with countries with higher industrial
output will be achievable if manufacturing businesses large and small choose to adopt the new automation technologies that are emerging every year. Technologies that allow robots and human workers to work side-by-side aren’t just key enablers for automation, they allow businesses to make the best out of their skilled workforce as well. With ABB’s safety solution, SafeMove2, industrial
robots can work alongside their human co-workers without safety fencing. The SafeMove2 software enables the robot to be aware of its surroundings through safety sensors attached to the robot cell, allowing the robot to adjust its movement and speed accordingly - ensuring the safety of its co-workers. Visit
http://bit.ly/2019ABBCourses to find out more.
David Sing, group managing director (Assets) at Energy Assets
Nigel Platt LBU Manager UK and Ireland - ABB Robotics
automationmagazine.co.uk
Automation | May 2019 7
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