Automation and Robotics... Is It For Me?

As businesses continue to adapt to increasingly dynamic markets, the demand for smarter, more efficient operations is growing. But many manufacturers, especially SME's are asking; 'Is it for me?'

Robotics and automation play a pivotal role in industrial transformation, offering companies the tools to improve productivity, reduce costs, and stay ahead of the competition. From advanced industrial robots to automated software systems, the range of options is vast, catering to businesses of all sizes and industries.

Automate UK Industry Report

The Automate UK Industry Insights Report for 2024 is an eye opener, so we are discussing some of their key findings (although there's much more for you to explore in there). The report features the most up-to-date and relevant analysis of the challenges and opportunities faced by the UK's processing, packaging, robotics, and machine vision sectors today, including responses from 165 participants.
Download the full report now! 

The Key Takeaways:

• Although there is a real appetite for greater adoption of automation in the UK,
  there are challenges to overcome.
• More than 83% of end users reported that successfully adopting automation
  as their number-one challenge.
• 66% of automation suppliers have identified their main aim is boosting innovation for
  the development of automation technologies.
• 67% of automation suppliers and end users are expecting to see the growing adoption
  of automation technologies in 2024.
• There is collective confidence in the trend of automation growth.
   

The Challenges...

Economic uncertainty and higher costs are key challenges that 2023 brought to the manufacturing world. Supply chain issues had the biggest business impact, as confirmed by 73% of companies. In particular, they faced difficulty in sourcing automation components for special-purpose machinery. And, although prices remain high, there has been a drop in the year-on-year energy costs since 2022 - a promising sign.

Automation Remains a Core Challenge

Over 81% of end users said automation was their main challenge in 2023, and at LC Automation, we want to change that. The particular issues stem from the rise of AI and cobots, what their effective use in manufacturing is and staying up to date with the technological advancements. That's where we can help.

Despite these challenges, 79% of respondents confirmed a year of automation growth within the UK manufacturing sector. Still, there are significant barriers to the adoption of automation, with cost being the number one issue (73% of respondents), with 30% mentioning a lack of available knowledge.

End users still have adoption challenges. Integration is the number one challenge for end users, closely followed by the lack of workforce skills, and cost, with many SME's lacking investment for their automation needs. 15% of end users faced difficulties in finding suppliers of automation technologies. Cobots and newly developed technologies can be an entry point with less of a "fear factor" for users. In terms of expense, there'll always be a better case for investment in automation if it will solve business problems. Further investment in up-skilling operators and maintenance staff would go some way to resolving these issues.

Robots Don't Take Jobs, They Fill Vacancies

While the scope for automation is still limited, robots can take on tasks within the dull, dangerous, and dirty categories. This allows employees to be retrained and move into more rewarding roles that make full use of their knowledge and skills.

What Robotic Solutions Are Available?

Is Automation and Robotics for me? Lets Find Out...

Manufacturing SME's often think Automation and Robotics is just for big multi-national companies, but nothing could be further from the truth. But, you need to get the right advice, and find the right equipment for your needs... so let's have a chat.

LC Automation Experts and Sales Engineers can visit your site, discuss your problems and talk about what you want to acheive. Then we can see if Automation and Robotics can make a difference to your business, and if so, we can recommend the best solution for you. It doesn't have to be a huge, expensive arm robot. It doesn't need to be difficult to operate or programme. It can make your company more competitive.

It all starts with that first step. So, fill in the form below and we'll be in touch to arrange a site visit, or call 01254 685900 to have a chat about what you are trying to achieve. What have you got to lose?

   How is Automation Changing in SME's

   Some Barriers to Automation in the UK

   What are the End User Challenges?