ISSUES&INSIGHTS to keep costs down and are, therefore, deciding to move overseas.” While it is causing more jobs to be lost, Gotfredsen wants to show automation can actually help create jobs by optimising robotics in manufacturing. “That’s what we believe in – to demonstrate how, with the implementation of robotics, we can create a cost-effective ecosystem,” she said.
Scepticism among Australian manufacturers Despite its advantages, there are still many misconceptions of automation in Australia.
become an absolute requirement. From the design, packaging and coding of products to the time and place of manufacturing, a window of opportunity has opened. However, changing misconceptions of automation appears to be an ongoing battle in Australia – even
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though industrial robotics are far cheaper than they were 20 years ago. Shermine Gotfredsen, general manager for Universal Robots’ Southeast Asia and Oceania branch based in Singapore, touched on her experiences working with the Australian market.
“If we are talking about competitors in the market, we have to look at the overall picture and the long-term repercussions for the industry,” she said. “What we are seeing in the Australian market is that, to stay competitive, companies are struggling
Universal Robots has just shy of 20,000 units in circulation globally although Australia makes up a very small piece of that pie. “One reason is that there is not enough facilitation from the government to give access for this kind of technology,” Gotfredsen said. “The other is the fact that awareness of the market isn’t at a high level. “There are many manufacturers who are still not aware of such new technology, which isn’t helping the market to grow.
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