Addressing the low uptake of robotics and automation in SMEs

07 August, 2024

Food and beverage industry

In addition, Mistry noted the prominence of the automotive, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries in economic output. The food and beverage sector’s success with automation was discussed, with experts suggesting that time criticality and other unique factors contribute to its higher adoption rates compared to other industries like pharmaceuticals, where regulations can hinder growth.

Collaborative robots and safety

Highlighting the significance of safety in collaborative robots, Roberts said that application-specific safety measures are crucial. He mentioned that Universal Robots’ ease of use and safety features have led to their increased adoption beyond collaborative work environments. Factors such as load capacity, speed, and pass-through height are important when deploying robotics.

Payne advised seeking expert advice from robotics manufacturers or industry specialists for integration, emphasising the importance of vetting and validating integrators for specific applications.

Educating younger generations

The panel also discussed the need to educate younger generations about robotics, emphasising programming skills and presenting robotics as an attractive career option. Payne suggested that large companies could support their SME suppliers by offering stable contracts and industry connections, helping SMEs invest in automation.

Looking ahead

Payne expressed hope that in the next five years, increased applications and case studies in the UK will build confidence in robotics and automation, shifting the perception from risk to necessity. While Roberts anticipated more widespread deployment of robots and standardised solutions, driving further advancements in the field. Mistry said he hoped for a future where discussions about the importance of robotics would evolve, reflecting the results of substantial investments in UK manufacturing and a more skilled workforce.

By addressing these challenges and opportunities, SMEs can better navigate the path towards automation, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

The three speakers in this panel discussion were:

Paul Roberts – UK Business Development Manager, Universal Robots

Michael Payne – Business Development, FMCG & Logistics sectors, KUKA Robotics UK (FMCG = Fast Moving Consumer Goods)

Nikesh Mistry – Sector Head of Industrial Automation at GAMBICA, the Trade Association for Instrumentation, Control, Automation and Laboratory Technology in the UK.

To view the video of this Talking Industry panel discussion click https://talkingindustry.org/

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