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
Latest
Biden Nears Win as Japan, Dutch Back China Chip Controls
For more on the West’s race to implement China chip controls, read Bloomberg’s explainer on the computer chip “arms race.” (Bloomberg) — Japan and the Netherlands are poised to join the US in limiting China’s access to advanced semiconductor machinery, forging a powerful alliance that will undercut Beijing’s ambitions to build its own domestic […]
NYSE Mayhem Traced to a Staffer Who Left a Backup System Running
(Bloomberg) — More than 700 miles from Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange’s backup data center on Cermak Road in Chicago is supposed to safeguard US markets, standing by at all hours in case disaster ever strikes the world’s largest venue for trading shares. When markets are closed, it participates in a well-worn routine, […]
California Storms Have Farmers Rushing to Avoid Crop Shortfall
(Bloomberg) — California farmers are facing costly damages from weeks of severe California storms that may trigger more expensive US fruits and vegetables in a time of massive food inflation. “The numbers are going to be somewhere in the hundreds of millions and perhaps in the billions,” Dave Puglia, head of the trade group Western […]
