FANUC says ‘ commitment ’ is needed to change UK culture around automation
EDITOR ’ S CHOICE INSPIRING CHANGE
FANUC
FANUC says ‘ commitment ’ is needed to change UK culture around automation
At Smart Factory Expo ( 5-6 June 2024 , NEC Birmingham ), FANUC UK named ‘ commitment ’ as the number one driver to help inspire a change in culture towards robotics and automation among British manufacturers . FANUC ’ s Head of UK Sales Oliver Selby gave the keynote speech at the event ’ s Automation & Robotics Acceleration Symposium and said a change in culture was needed to ensure continued UK manufacturing success , calling for commitment towards skills and education across all levels – from students to C-Suite – as well as commitment to a long-term automation investment strategy .
“ Despite being the eighth largest manufacturing nation , we are 25th in terms of robotics adoption ,” said Oliver . “ Just imagine what we could achieve if we raised our automation levels .”
Emulating best practice
Citing a difference in attitude towards investment in robotics between the UK and many of the leading automated nations , Oliver believes the UK has much to learn in terms of best practice : “ In countries such as Germany , Japan and the US , automation is prioritised from the outset of any new manufacturing project – it ’ s not an afterthought ,” he stated . “ And in Scandinavia , a realistic view on payback periods ( as well as a realisation that total cost of ownership is a better measure of value than ROI ) sees companies prioritising a long-term investment strategy around automation . Of course , government support also plays a large part , and in this regard , we are playing catch-up . However , it ’ s not too late to make a change if all stakeholders work together .”
A focus on learning
Increasing education around automation – at every level – is also crucial to boosting our robotics uptake . “ Within firms , particularly SMEs , it ’ s essential that a range of staff are trained and educated
Attracting over 7,000 visitors on day one alone , Smart Factory Expo showcased the finest technologies and solutions available to manufacturers today .
12 PECM Issue 69