the slow uptake of the technology – just look at the higher adoption in countries such as Poland, where homegrown robotic development is accelerating the understanding of, and skills in, the technology. As a result, far too many UK businesses have
failed to grasp the ease with which robotics can be introduced alongside the workforce. There is still a perception that Autonomous Vehicles, for example, have to be purchased in a fleet to replace warehouse staff. Or that robotics within manufacturing is about creating the extraordinary precision used within expensive, highly efficient automotive plants. In reality, just one or two robots can add
efficiency for a manufacturing SME, especially if they can allow staff currently used to undertake repetitive, simple jobs such as moving goods from stock to the production line or finished goods to packing, to be redeployed into more fulfilling work. Robots can work multiple shifts – and will take themselves off for charging when required. They can have different tops or attachments, depending on the business need, which allows businesses to try robots in different areas and applications. And with a flexible contract arrangement, companies can add or remove robots as required – even keeping them on site until peaks in demand, and only paying when the AV is turned on.
CONCLUSION With clear signs that business confidence is improving, it is now vital that manufacturing organisations explore opportunities for change. But that will not happen unless the automation community accepts it must do far more to both demonstrate to manufacturers that innovation and robotics can deliver real benefits and make investment far simpler, quicker and low risk. Building a relationship between an SME and
automation provider takes time – and the onus must be on the provider to go the extra mile. Taking an Autonomous Vehicle to a manufacturer and letting it operate alongside employees, for example, is an easy step to demonstrate how simply robots can be added to the existing workforce. Helping companies through the adoption and integration process is key to building confidence in automation. And the benefits to everyone are clear.
Companies that have invested in robots quickly see the value. They rapidly identify new opportunities for deployment and suggest areas of innovation – such as the addition of a robotic arm to allow a robot to pick up items. They recognise the importance of releasing scarce staff resources from tedious jobs and the retention benefits associated with giving people more interesting and valuable jobs, such as quality assurance, that robots cannot do. It is only by taking the time to help UK manufacturers to invest in automation and robotics that the automation community will achieve the goal of reinvigorating UK manufacturing.
Guidance Automation
www.guidanceautomation.com 0116 243 6250
CONNECTING INDUSTRY 20Th ANNIvERSARY EDITION 13
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