CLOSING THE GAP: HOW AUTOMATION CAN BOOST UK MANUFACTURING COMPETITIVENESS
The manufacturing sector is under increasing pressure to deliver more with fewer resources. Rising costs, labour shortages, sustainability demands, and intensifying global competition are forcing organisations to rethink how they operate. In this environment, automation is no longer optional.
Yet adoption in the UK has been comparatively slow. According to the International Federation of Robotics( IFR), the UK has around 100-120 industrial robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers, far below countries such as Germany and South Korea. This gap highlights both a challenge and a significant opportunity for UK manufacturers seeking to boost productivity and competitiveness. Encouragingly, UK robot installations rose by 51 % in 2023, signalling growing momentum, particularly in automotive and high-precision industries.
The benefits of automation are clear. Beyond replacing manual labour, it increases productivity, reduces downtime, improves quality and consistency, and enhances workplace safety by removing operators from hazardous or repetitive tasks. Automation also supports sustainability goals, reducing waste and energy consumption while lowering operational costs.
For manufacturers facing ongoing skills shortages and rising input costs, these advantages are critical to maintaining throughput and scaling effectively in volatile markets.
Providers such as Desoutter offer connected tools and systems designed to optimise efficiency, ensure consistency, and provide real-time production insight. This includes robotic-compatible spindle screwdrivers for precise, repeatable fastening, automated screw feeding systems that reduce cycle times, and vision-based positioning technologies that allow flexible, accurate robotic assembly even when part locations vary. Complementing these tools, realtime data analytics platforms and integrated process control systems enable full visibility of production performance, faster data-driven decision-making, and standardisation across operations.
Adoption is essential to close the productivity gap with global competitors and secure long-term growth.
Manufacturers exploring automation options can consult with Desoutter, who offer connected automation solutions.
20 AUTOMATION, CONTROL & ENGINEERING