Be the first to hear our latest news
The UK has 'too few robots'
Oct 16, 2019
According to a group of MP’s, this is putting jobs, businesses and the prosperity of whole regions at risk. The UK needs to do much more to attract skills and encourage investment in robots and automation, a report from the House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee has stated.
Robotics and automation could boost the economy
Although there is a risk of jobs being displaced, the report found that robotics and automation conversely could boost the economy.
The report emphasises that automation is on its way and that Britain needed to change – with investment in skills and training suited to the so-called “fourth industrial revolution” – or be left behind.
To put it into perspective, in 2015, the UK had just 10 robots for every million hours worked, compared with 131 in the US, 133 in Germany and 167 in Japan.
The danger is not that we have too many robots, but that we have too few
Rachel Reeves, the Labour MP who chairs the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy committee, said: “The real danger for the UK economy and for future jobs growth is not that we have too many robots in the workplace but that we have too few. The government has failed to provide the leadership needed to help drive investment in automation and robot technologies.
“If we are to reap the potential benefits in the future of improved living standards, more fulfilling work, and the four-day working week, the government needs to do more to support British businesses and universities to collaborate and innovate.”
SME’s are more likely to struggle to take advantage of automation
“Factors limiting the ability of the UK to take advantage of automation and robotics include management teams who do not understand or recognise the potential of automation; a lack of digital skills among parts of the workforce; and business environments where new technology does not coalesce with existing practices.
Official figures have shown that the adoption rate of automation technology among small and medium-sized enterprises is only 4%, compared with 28% in large businesses.
The government were criticised for scrapping the Manufacturing Advisory Service, saying the closure made it harder for companies, and especially smaller businesses, to get help and advice on how to automate. The government should also be doing more to encourage research and investment, and were urged to fund an impartial source of advice for businesses that want to invest in automation.
Brexit has contributed to the UK being slow to invest in automation
Reeves said Brexit had contributed to the UK’s slow adoption of automation by suppressing business investment. In addition she said leaving the EU could make it harder for UK universities to cooperate with European universities in developing technology and discourage talented engineers from working in Britain.
(Extracts from, "UK Economy has 'too few robot's' warn MP's", The Guardian, 17 Sept 2019)
Plunkett Associates thoughts…
Automation is no longer just for the big guys, it is a major tool for the SME’s as well. However the requirements are different, its not one size fits all, and if we expect an upswing in use then more time needs to be spent addressing what the SME’s need. Our arms are open, I don’t see resistance; we are ready, as from here will come the groundswell that will impact productivity.
-
Plunkett Associates worked on the design and production of titanium frames for an artificial heart valve where precision and consistency was paramount. Communications were efficient and productive with concepts readily incorporated into the final design, and suggestions for improvements all highly appropriate. The quality of the end product was ideal and I have no doubt that I will use the advice and expertise of Plunkett Associates again.
David Wheatley, Wheatley Research Ltd![david-wheatley-wheatley-research-ltd-main-original]()
-
“Doing business with you has been an absolute pleasure. You have made my goals a reality. You have been patient, helpful and above all, responsive. Best service that I have experienced in ages. I consider Plunkett Associates to be an integral part of my business plan moving forward.”
Jet Cooper, Sculptor![jet-cooper-sculptor-main-original]()
-
Thanks for the present that arrived this morning, as promised. Parts look first class, as always.
Jon Todd, Design Manager, PHS Group![jon-todd-design-manager-phs-group-main-logo]()
-
Plunketts developed a solution that met our precision requirements at a cost significantly lower than alternative manufacturing approaches we had investigated
Nick Skaer, CEO, Orthox Ltd![nick-skaer-ceo-orthox-ltd-main-logo]()
-
Interestingly, people who look at it in its own right with little knowledge of what it does, just like it! It’s tactile and it looks good…
Tim Collings, Operations Director, Troika Systems Ltd![client-name-main-logo]()
-
To create such a consistent quality finish in chrome was an amazing achievement and the prototypes really gave our stand the wow factor.
James Clark, Group Commercial Director, The Airdri Group![client-name-2-main-logo]()
-
I can’t recommend Tim and his team highly enough. We ended up with a design which can be produced and assembled quickly, efficiently and reliably, in volumes that make sense
Simon Leggett, Director, Olivewood Technology![simon-leggett-olivewood-technology-main-logo]()
-
Kirintec were thrilled with Plunketts. They made a complex process simple and we were just amazed at the lead times achieved. Plus, every single deadline was met without any drama.
Penny While, Marketing Director, Kirintec![penny-while-marketing-director-kirintec-main-original]()
-
Plunkett Associates truly offer a complete turnkey solution with Speed, Effectiveness and Precision.
David Harden, Director, Enica Ltd![david-harden-director-enica-ltd-main-original]()
-
Plunkett Associates have a fantastic supply chain, work with all sorts of production processes and will always do their utmost to solve a problem.
Naim Audio![naim-audio-2-main-logo]()
-
We always know exactly what we’re getting and we know we won’t be let down on quality, price or lead times.
Mark Williams, Research and Development Director, Johnson Safety Products![mark-williams-research-and-development-director-johnson-safety-products-main-logo]()
-
"With their simple to understand language, willingness to go the extra mile and approachability, Plunkett Associates were a great partner for our company. We couldn’t be happier with the results of our project. (A working prototype that they got right first time, by the way). Thank you!"
Carolina Ballon-Forrester, Director, Kittyrama Ltd![carolina-ballon-forrester-director-kittyrama-ltd-main-original]()
-
“We use Plunkett Associates because we want someone we can trust, that knows what they’re talking about, has all the contacts, will provide reliable advice and feedback and will get the right result for us.”
Jim Copestick. Design Manager, Thorlux Lighting![jim-copestick-design-manager-thorlux-lighting-main-original]()
-
“Accuracy, finish and delivery all first class.”
Andrew Peters, JMDA Ltd![andrew-peters-jmda-ltd-main-original]()
-
"Tim's experience, expertise and supplier base have been fundamental to us getting this project off the ground."
Sam Pearce, Jelly Products Ltd![sam-pearce-jelly-products-ltd-main-original]()
-
Plunkett associates always find a solution. Whatever we need to prototype, they have a great grasp on the technologies available, costs and lead-times so we get the right solution tailored to the project needs. Have always delivered and never let us down.
Naim Audio![naim-audio-2-main-logo]()
