Robotics
in automation, this must also be backed by supportive government policies and incentives,” he states. “In the Nordic countries, robust government initiatives have provided financial support and created favourable conditions for the adoption of automated solutions. For example, in the city of Odense, the government has stimulated the set-up of a ‘Robot Valley’ – a cluster of private companies, start-ups and academic institutions – that is helping to drive the Danish robotics market forward.” Eastern Europe: Putting worker welfare first Finally, Eastern European countries such as Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic have embraced automation as a means of prioritising worker welfare. “By automating dull, dirty and dangerous tasks, these nations have not only increased their manufacturing efficiency but have also enhanced the overall wellbeing of their workforce,” states Dr Struijk. “They have benefitted from their close proximity to the German automotive market and used a combination of skilled labour and investment in robots to take a large share of the tier 1 market, as well as a host of greenfield investments by major European and Asian automakers. The UK could benefit by adopting a similar mindset; using automation to alleviate workers from monotonous and hazardous tasks, thereby improving job satisfaction and increasing overall productivity.” There is no doubt that manufacturing is already one of the UK’s greatest success stories. By investing in automation and robotics, UK manufacturers can help to futureproof their business and ensure we continue to compete on the international stage in the years to come. n
table, Sweden boasts an impressive 343 robots for every 10,000 workers. Neighbours Denmark have 274, Finland has 168 and Norway has 103 – all sit higher than the UK. “With their realistic approach towards return on investment (ROI), the Nordic countries have successfully integrated automation into their industries,” outlines Dr Struijk. “By focusing on the long-term benefits, these nations have cultivated a business environment that encourages companies to invest in automation technologies.” By looking at TCO rather than just ROI – considering indirect cost savings such as reduced energy bills, less waste, higher productivity and increased production capacity – investing in automation could be a far more attractive proposition to UK manufacturers than it is today. But again, the importance of government support cannot be overlooked, explains Dr Struijk: “While the UK could draw inspiration from the Nordic model by fostering an environment where companies can confidently invest
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Machinery & Manufacturing 30
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