ROBOTICS COULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE UK PRODUCTIVITY companies than ever are recognising the potential and capabilities of robotics to boost business and productivity

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In 2012 the government identified robotics and autonomous systems as one of the eight great technologies that could significantly improve the UK’s international competitiveness, productivity and economic growth.

It established the UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) network and allocated £25 million to establish eight RAS centres for excellence across the UK.

UK losing out to international competitors

Last year’s International Federation of Robotics’ report highlighted the extent to which UK manufacturing is losing ground on international competitors, according to Tom Bouchier, Managing Director at Coventry-based FANUC UK, one of the leading global manufacturers of factory automation.

He said: “The report lays bare just how far behind the UK is when it comes to the use of industrial robotics.

“While there is a level of enthusiasm among UK manufacturers when it comes to robots and automation, the IFR report shows how much work is to be done in turning this positivity into tangible growth.”

Robotics can be deployed where humans cannot work, such as in nuclear facilities, space exploration or in other extreme temperature environments.

They can also replace missing human limbs, or more prosaically be deployed in warehousing and manufacturing.

Increasingly, as they become more sophisticated, robots are going to be more efficient than a human being.

Industrial robot sales were up 7.5 per cent last year, with 1,931 robots sold in 2020 compared to 1,797 robots sold in 2019.

While the automotive sector has been one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic, a recent BARA (British Automation and Robot Association) survey of robot manufacturers and distributors found that the auto-sector topped the industry sectors’ league table during Q4 for industrial robots sold in the UK.