British SME manufacturers adopting robotics and automation are creating hundreds of new and upskilled jobs, according to Made Smarter, a UK government-backed industry-led technology adoption programme.
While the adoption of robotics in the UK is on the rise, it is well behind global competition. According to the International Federation of Robotics, the UK’s ‘robot density’ or the number of robots per 10,000 workers is 71, below the global average of 74, and significantly lower than Germany (309) and South Korea (631).
But since 2019, the North West Adoption Programme, a collaboration between UK government and industry designed to support the increased use of digital technologies, has supported 41 businesses with 45 technology projects focused on robotics and automation machinery.
The £2m investment, which combines £883,000 in grant funding and leverages £1.1m of private finance, is forecast to create 183 new jobs and upskill a further 234 existing workers. Furthermore, the region’s GVA is expected to grow by £137.4m over the next three years.
Alain Dilworth, North West Adoption Programme manager at Made Smarter, said: “These figures are further evidence that robots, cobots, and process control automation technologies are creating more jobs than they displace, as well as a host of other benefits.
“Manufacturers who have adopted these digital technologies are experiencing increased productivity and efficiency, more consistent and improved part production and quality, lower operating costs, reduced lead times, the ability to be more competitive, and improved worker safety.”
See the latest robotics and automation solutions propelling the UK’s manufacturing industry into a new era at Robotics and Automation – the UK’s largest exhibition dedicated to these technologies – on 02-03 November 2021 at the Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry. Visit www.roboticsandautomation.co.uk now to learn more about this must-attend event for businesses seeking the latest innovations available to improve efficiency, reduce errors, drive down costs and gain a competitive advantage.
