Posted: September 23, 2024
Robotics remains a popular subject in the series of the talking industry. In the most recent episode, Andy Pye has started three industry experts to explore the reasons for the slow adoption of robotics and automation among small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs). The discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a strategic approach to integrate these technologies into the SME sector. PWE reports
The panel of experts highlighted the importance of a complete strategy for the implementation of robotics and the automation of SMEs, focusing on cost savings and increased efficiency. The implementation and training of existing labor have been highlighted as crucial stages. Collaborative robots, or cobots, have been identified as having significant potential in various industries.
The discussion painted an optimistic image of the future of robotics in British manufacturing, stressing the need for more case studies and reference sites to strengthen trust. A change in cultural spirit towards the adoption of automation has been considered essential, platforms as YouTube being precious to present successful implementations and provide practical advice.
Government support and investment were considered essential to stimulate industry growth. Nikesh Mistry pleaded for a long-term industrial strategy of the government, addressing funding, development of labor and alignment with European standards. He stressed that automation could help SMEs attack global competition and labor shortages, calling for a collaborative response to ensure that various votes in the industry are heard.
Michael Payne suggested that an incentive to the Supertax for automation investments could be beneficial, although he noted the importance of the moment for a successful implementation. Paul Roberts stressed that automation goes from luxury to a necessity for SMEs, standard solutions and increasingly widespread personalized applications.
Automation and adoption of AI in SMEs
The advantages of automation, such as reduced labor costs, increased productivity and improved traceability, were highlighted by Payne. He stressed that robots, although often considered special, are simply tools like CNC towers that improve workers’ efficiency and encourage update. He explained how artificial intelligence and automatic learning can improve robotic processes, such as welding, learning trials and errors.
Roberts stressed the importance of starting small with the implementation of AI in SMEs. Experts have called for more government investment and strengthening measures to support the British manufacturing sector, which is lagging behind the density and productivity of robots compared to countries like Germany.
Culture and flexibility of companies
Andy Pye (President) raised the question of different corporate cultures within SMEs, noting that some are more adaptable than others. Mistry stressed that the gap between those who benefit from technological improvements and those who approve of investments are more pronounced in small businesses.
Roberts also highlighted the need for flexible automation software, giving examples such as the rapid change in palette arrangements and robotic deployment on several CNC machines. Mistry stressed that SMEs should identify specific commercial problems and choose appropriate technologies, mentioning sensors, security systems, digital twins, predictive maintenance and sustainability as key areas.
Food and drinks industry
In addition, Mistry noted the importance of automotive, pharmaceutical and food industries and drinks in economic production. The success of the food and drinking sector with automation has been discussed, with experts suggesting that the criticality of time and other unique factors contribute to its higher adoption rates compared to other industries such as pharmaceutical products, where regulations can hinder growth.
Collaborative robots and security
Stressing the importance of security in collaborative robots, Roberts said that specific security measures are crucial. He mentioned that the ease of use and the safety characteristics of universal robots have led to their increased adoption beyond collaborative work environments. Factors such as load capacity, speed and passage height are significant when deploying robotics.
Payne advised the search for expert advice to robotics manufacturers or industry specialists for integration, highlighting the importance of checking and validating integrators for specific applications.
Educate the young generations
The panel also discussed the need to educate the young generations on robotics, to highlight programming skills and to present 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 to invest in automation.
Ahead
Payne has expressed hope that over the next five years, increased applications and case studies in the United Kingdom will strengthen robotics and automation, passing risk perception to need. While Roberts provided for a more widespread deployment of robots and standardized solutions, which leads to other progress in the field. Mistry said he hoped for a future where discussions on the importance of robotics would evolve, reflecting the results of substantial investment in British manufacturing and a more skilled workforce.
By noting these challenges and opportunities, SMEs can better navigate the path of automation, ensuring that they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving world market.
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The three speakers of this round table were:
Paul Roberts – United Kingdom Business Development Manager, Universal Robots
Michael Payne – Business Development, FMCG & Logistics Sectors, Kuka Robotics UK (FMCG = Fast moving consumer goods)
Nikesh Mistry – Head of the industrial automation sector in Gambica, commercial technology for instrumentation, control, automation and laboratory technology in the United Kingdom.
The video of this speaking industry round table is available on: https://talkingindustry.org
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