cost of ownership over initial purchase price gives a far truer representation of the real cost, and value, of an automation solution. This is reflected in Europe where companies expect payback in three to five years – and may account for their higher levels of both automation and productivity.
Leveraging automation expertise
A final barrier is a perceived lack of automation expertise. Outdated perceptions of robots as complicated, difficult to programme and inflexible have prevented some manufacturers from taking the plunge. Yet today’ s industrial and collaborative robots are user-friendly, easy to configure and simple to operate, with many plug-and-play options available.
Robots can carry out palletising tasks with ease and don’ t get sick or tired. They can work 24 / 7 even in the dark, increasing output for manufacturing firms.
Exacerbating the labour crisis is the fact that young people are not currently entering the sector in sufficient numbers to replace workers leaving the industry. value tasks – while a company employing robotics, automation, vision technology and AI will find it easier to attract new talent.
TCO over purchase price
Another potential barrier is an unrealistic attitude towards payback. Prioritising total
Robot suppliers such as FANUC, as well as our system integrator partners, can help to further reduce the risk of investing in automation. Using our experience and expertise, we work with manufacturers across all sectors to understand the problems they need solving, ensuring they get the right solution, at the right price, at the first time of asking. The time for manufacturers to invest in automation is now.
FANUC will be exhibiting at Smart Factory Expo 2025 in conjunction with a number of its system integrator partners on stand 5 / F40, NEC Birmingham, 4-5 June 2025.
Attracting new talent Exacerbating the labour crisis is the fact that young people are not currently entering the sector in sufficient numbers to replace workers leaving the industry. Investing in automation to replace dull, dirty and dangerous roles means existing workers can be upskilled and redeployed to higher
Today’ s industrial and collaborative robots are user-friendly, easy to configure and simple to operate, with many plug-and-play options now available.
For further information, please visit www. fanuc. eu / uk / en
Issue 74 PECM 65