Encouraging greater take-up of new and disruptive technologies

IF THE UK manufacturing sector is to capitalise on opportunities for growth then effective utilisation of the latest technologies available to it will be crucial to its success.

Unfortunately, the UK of late, has a poor record in adopting such technologies and the lack of take-up in hampering the UK economy. This was illustrated recently with the release of a new report from the International Federation of Robotics showing the UK languishing outside the top 20 developed nations for the utilisation of industrial robots.

Keeping pace with the rest of the world 

The figures show the UK behind much of Asia, the United States and Europe and for a nation with a proud manufacturing history, these are disappointing results; especially so as UK companies often lead the way in the development of such technologies.

I was lucky enough to be invited recently to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Sheffield to see some of the innovative work being conducted there. It demonstrates that the potential offered by such developments is enormous and that UK manufacturers should not be afraid of technology, but should embrace it for the benefits it can deliver.

Whatever the reason for the poor implementation of such technologies, we must as an industry, reverse this situation and we owe it to ourselves to help companies recognise that these types of technology hold the key to their future and poor adoption will only sound their death knell.

It’s why, as the leading trade association for the sector, we will be using next year’s MACH exhibition to launch our new Knowledge Hubs initiative. This is a programme designed to educate companies in when and how to adopt new technologies such as Automation and Robotics, Data and Artificial Intelligence for manufacturing, Sustainable manufacturing towards Net Zero and the use of Additive Manufacturing techniques.

Adoption of automation and robotics 

Making the UK more automation and robotics focused is the aim of one of these Knowledge Hubs. The hub, supported by the Manufacturing Technologies Centre, aims to educate companies on how the technology can be used to automate many processes to improve productivity. 

The aim of the initiative is not to preach but to help companies make informed decisions when it comes to deciding on the best means of improving theirproductivity and efficiency.

The MTA believes that if manufacturers, and we’re not talking here of the OEMs of this world but of the SMEs that are the lifeblood of the industry, were to effectively adopt new technologies then billions of pounds of additional revenue could be generated for the UK’s GVA.

Capital issues will always colour investment decisions and many businesses are wary of commitment, but we are fortunate to have Lloyds Bank as the Headline Sponsor for MACH 2024 and it will be offering its expertise on where and how to make the best use of funds for maximum gain.

In introducing the Knowledge Hubs initiative our aim is to reverse the industrial decline and enable the UK to re-establish itself as a sovereign manufacturer. 
We know it won’t be easy but it is achievable if we adopt a manufacturing mindset. To do that we have to recognise the importance of investing in the latest technologies and our role is to provide UK manufacturers with focus by offering impartial advice and way-finding on when and how to adopt.

Getting to grips with data and AI

Another of the MTA’s Knowledge Hubs will focus on the adoption of Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Manufacturing - latest technology designed to help manufacturing achieve agility through improved production processes while reducing costs and streamlining the supply chain. 

Given current concerns about the implementation of AI, a demonstration of how effective it can be as a tool for manufacturers is timely. MACH 2024, the UK's national show for engineering-based manufacturing, takes place at the NEC in Birmingham between 15-19 April 2024. The three-day, co-located Engineering Supply Chain Show takes place between 16-18 April. We are excited about what’s in store and we hope the industry will be as well.

James Selka is CEO of the Manufacturing Technologies Association

For more information: 

www.mta.org.uk

Tel: 020 7298 6400