How to Accelerate Automation by Targeting Productivity Gaps

The continuous modernization of industrial processes is dizzying and exciting. All Systems Go is a show that intends to demystify the varying technologies—from UAVs and robotics to supply chain software and virtual reality sims—and how they will advance everything from logistics to manufacturing across the globe.

 

Productivity is a critical metric for any manufacturing company. Boosting it has become an even bigger challenge in the UK for SMBs, with labor challenges because of Brexit and COVID-19. Technology, however, is acting as a tool to facilitate automation with collaborative robots (cobots). Discussing this subject today, All Systems Go host Ruari McCallion spoke with Mark Gray, UK Sales Manager for Universal Robots, one of the first to develop cobots.

“SMBs have productivity challenges and are often not able to invest in automation. That’s why Universal Robots exists, and we offer a collaborative robot that shares a workspace with people,” Gray explained.
A cobot can remove idle processes in a variety of manufacturing settings. They can take over the manual, repetitive tasks to accelerate productivity and fill the gaps of not having enough workers.

“For SMBs that have never used automation and want to take the first step, there is a pathway to easy deployment.” – Mark Gray

There are still hurdles for SMB adoption. “It’s difficult to get that CAPEX expenditure, so we partnered with a leasing company so companies can lease the robot, and it becomes an operating expense,” Gray said.

While cobots are making an impact, Gray warned not to get enamored with the idea of AI. “It’s a narrow application. Automating the simplest tasks is first before taking on any dynamic ones,” Gray noted.

Those businesses that do begin to use the technology will see results. “It takes the idle time out of a production cell. If you take the screwing task away in assembling, it takes less time. You can see a 50% increase in productivity with sharing tasks,” Gray shared.

Automation is the way to business transformation for UK manufacturers, as they deal with labor challenges and continued pressure to cut costs and optimize operations.

Check Out Previous Episodes of All Systems Go Here!

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

professional advancement
The Measured Mindset: How Mentorship, Curiosity, and Listening Drive Professional Advancement and Growth
July 29, 2025

Not every path into analytics starts with code and spreadsheets. For some, it begins with curiosity, adaptability, mentorship, and a willingness to learn something entirely new. That’s the case for Mayank Malviya, whose journey from a humanities education in India to a career in U.S.-based market research reveals how initiative and mentorship can accelerate…

Read More
future-ready workforce
Building a Future-Ready Workforce: Disrupting Outdated Education with Employer-Driven, Community-Powered, Practical Skills Training
July 28, 2025

Workforce training is undergoing a radical transformation as industries face critical talent shortages and rapid technological change. Building a future-ready workforce requires rethinking traditional higher education models. These models emphasize broad academic development over targeted skill-building and struggle to keep pace with employer demands. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report…

Read More
The Silent Health Crisis: Indoor Air Quality in Long-Term Care
July 28, 2025

The Silent Health Crisis: Indoor Air Quality in Long-Term Care Most nursing homes have infection control down to a science. They’ve got medication protocols that would make a hospital jealous. Fall prevention? They track every risk factor. But ask them about their air quality and you’ll likely get a puzzled look. That’s a problem, because…

Read More
educators
JUST THINKING… About Bringing out the Best in Educators and Learners with Ross Kimball
July 25, 2025

As the educational landscape rapidly evolves—shaped by advances in communication technology, growing mental health awareness, and post-pandemic classroom dynamics—one key question persists: How can we better connect with and empower both educators and students in the classroom? The stakes are high: studies show that teacher-student relationships directly impact student motivation, academic success, and long-term…

Read More