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AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS


attractive proposition to UK manufacturers than it is today.


But again, the importance of government support cannot be overlooked, explains Dr Struijk: “While the UK could draw inspiration from the Nordic model by fostering an environment where companies can confidently invest in automation, this must also be backed by supportive government policies and incentives,” he states. “In the Nordic countries, robust government initiatives have provided financial support and created favourable conditions for the adoption of automated solutions. For example, in the city of Odense, the government has stimulated the set-up of a ‘Robot Valley’ – a cluster of private companies, start-ups and academic institutions – that is helping to drive the Danish robotics market forward.”


EASTERN EUROPE: PUTTING WORKER WELFARE FIRST Finally, Eastern European countries such as Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic have embraced automation as a means of prioritising worker welfare. “By automating dull, dirty and dangerous


AUTOMATION INSPIRATION


NORDIC NATIONS: A SUPPORTIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT At sixth place in the global automation league table, Sweden boasts an impressive 343 robots for every 10,000 workers. Neighbours Denmark have 274, Finland has 168 and Norway has 103 – all sit higher than the UK. “With their realistic approach towards


return on investment (ROI), the Nordic countries have successfully integrated


automation into their industries,” outlines Dr Struijk. “By focusing on the long-term benefits, these nations have cultivated a business environment that encourages companies to invest in automation technologies.” By looking at TCO rather than just ROI –


considering indirect cost savings such as reduced energy bills, less waste, higher productivity and increased production capacity – investing in automation could be a far more


A


s UK manufacturers continue to face productivity and net zero challenges, their progress is being hindered by labour


shortages. Against this backdrop, this year’s Robotics and Automation: For a Sustainable Future will explore how greater adoption of this technology can address these issues. The event will be held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) on the 14th and 15th of May. Focusing on the use of robotics and


automation by smaller businesses, SMEs will share the challenges they faced and lessons learnt in adopting these solutions. There will also be explanations of the support services that are available to minimise the risk of


adopting robot automation for the first time. In addition, panellists and speakers from Schneider Electric, Renishaw and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult will provide their insights on how innovations in robotics and automation contribute to a circular economy. Attendees will also have the opportunity to discover some of the emerging applications for robotics, the development programme being proposed by Advanced Research & Invention Agency (ARIA) and the progress of the exciting robotics start-ups in the UK.


tasks, these nations have not only increased their manufacturing efficiency but have also enhanced the overall wellbeing of their workforce,” states Dr Struijk. “They have benefitted from their close


proximity to the German automotive market and used a combination of skilled labour and investment in robots to take a large share of the tier 1 market, as well as a host of greenfield investments by major European and Asian automakers. The UK could benefit by adopting a similar mindset; using automation to alleviate workers from monotonous and hazardous tasks, thereby improving job satisfaction and increasing overall productivity.” There is no doubt that manufacturing is


already one of the UK’s greatest success stories. By investing in automation and robotics, UK manufacturers can help to futureproof their business and ensure we continue to compete on the international stage in the years to come.


FANUC www.fanuc.eu/uk/en


EVENT RETURNS TO THE MTC TO SUPPORT UPTAKE OF AUTOMATION Mike Wilson, chief automation officer at the


MTC, says: “With labour shortages continuing to bite, using robotics to solve this problem, to become more productive and boost competitiveness, is accelerating. By convening stakeholders to share their expertise and experiences, we can help manufacturers to explore the benefits this technology can offer.” To register for the free event, please visit the-mtc.org. To find out more


about sponsorship opportunities, please contact events@the-mtc.org.


MTC www.the-mtc.org


FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | APRIL 2024 27


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