PECM Issue 69 2024 | Page 13

At Smart Factory the qualifying rounds for this year ’ s WorldSkills Industrial Robotics competition took place live at the event and saw the 12 highest ranking teams compete in a 3.5-hour challenge to pick and place 10 cylinders , following a preset robotic pathway
on the benefits that the right automation solution can deliver ,” said Oliver . “ Whether that ’ s the finance department , engineering or operational staff , management , board members and even the owner , everyone has something to learn .”
WorldSkills UK qualifiers
This commitment to education also extends to inspiring the next generation of engineers and ensuring they are equipped with the skills that will be needed by modern manufacturers . To this end , FANUC has partnered with WorldSkills UK for fourth time , in the Industrial Robotics competition . The qualifying rounds for this year ’ s contest took place live at Smart Factory Expo and saw the 12 highest ranking teams compete in a 3.5- hour challenge to pick and place 10 cylinders , following a pre-set robotic pathway .
“ We are extremely proud of our partnership with WorldSkills UK and watching the talented young competitors complete the qualifying challenge was very rewarding ,” said Oliver . “ The five best teams will go
Oliver Selby gave a keynote speech at the event and said a change in culture was needed to ensure continued UK manufacturing success .
With over 35 system integrator partners , we are well placed to support manufacturing firms from every corner of industry
on to compete in the WorldSkills UK final at the FANUC Open House event at our Coventry HQ in November , while the ultimate
winners will have the chance to represent Squad UK in the global competition .”
Showcasing success
Attracting over 7,000 visitors on day one alone , Smart Factory Expo showcased the finest technologies and solutions available to manufacturers today . For FANUC , the event proved highly successful , bringing multiple new leads across sectors as diverse as medical , semiconducting , bakery , confectionery and plastics .
“ With over 35 system integrator partners , we are well placed to support manufacturing firms from every corner of industry ,” added Ollie . “ Our stand featured five of our key partners and enabled us to showcase the added value that FANUC can bring beyond supplying automation technology . The event was busy across both days and brought quality leads to our door , as well as allowing us to demonstrate the value of the WorldSkills UK initiative . We are already looking forward to what next year ’ s show will bring .”
For further information , please visit www . fanuc . eu / uk / en
Issue 69 PECM 13