Automation and the journey to net zero

08 February, 2022

However, with a considerable level of reluctance to invest in automation equipment in some quarters within the UK, how can OEMs, integrators and designers overcome such a barrier, and how can prospective users/beneficiaries be better incentivised? During the Talking Industry webinar, Martin Kidman, market product manager (UK & Ireland) – safety solutions at SICK Sensor Intelligence, said he believes there needs to be a culture change at the top, stressing that many companies are still relying on old machines and, consequently, struggling to source spare parts. “Things are falling down so it’s really about just continuing to push this message that we really need to do something about it,” he said, adding that some people just look at today’s turnover instead of looking further forward. During the webinar, Stuart Coulton, market development manager at Omron Electronics UK Ltd, also emphasised that when it comes to realising a greater level of automation deployment it’s largely about strategy and culture change.

The benefits of robotics and automation are well-proven, although the initial financial outlay can put many companies off the idea of investing. Therefore, messaging around the benefits concerning fast payback on investment, greater efficiencies and accuracies, energy and waste savings inter alia needs to be amplified even further. This is all the more important if we as a nation are to honour our net zero commitment.

Ed Holden, editor