Automation can help firms tackle labour shortages and drive vital operational improvements

The case for robot automation has always focused on the benefits of improved productivity, consistent quality, improved health and safety coupled with flexibility. However, a significant new factor is driving increased interest - labour shortages. Shortages have emerged across the economy following Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is highly unlikely that labour shortages will be addressed by changes to the post-Brexit immigration system alone. Alternative solutions will need to be found.

Since the pandemic began, a high proportion of people have left the labour market. Many workers from the EU returned to their home countries and a large number of older workers, opted for early retirement. The consequence of these decisions has been a significant reduction in the available labour force. As companies return to full production following the pandemic, this resulted in severe labour shortages across many sectors, from food supply chain and agriculture through manufacturing and distribution, to hospitality.

If the objective is to at least achieve pre-COVID levels of output, automation is a powerful tool in helping address labour shortages. This is not necessarily about directly automating tasks that are, or were previously undertaken by workers, but about identifying opportunities to utilise automation on mundane, arduous or dangerous tasks. The benefit of this being the available workforce is then released to take on tasks that require their skills and attributes.

Basically, using robots where consistency and speed are appropriate, and where tasks are simpler and non-value add, and people where their skills can add value to the product. It is normally the case that these value-add roles are more interesting, rewarding and often attract higher pay.

Many business owners are aware of robots being used in high volume sectors such as automotive and electronics but feel that robots may not be appropriate for their business. This perception often forms as a result of concerns around cost, complexity and lack of flexibility. But automation is more accessible than most think. Robot automation often costs less than expected, set up and operation has become much simpler over recent years and flexibility can be readily designed into the solution. There are many SMEs, for example, who have already successfully implemented robot systems, ranging from castings and machining businesses to plastic moulders, electronics contact manufacturers and food manufacturers.

It is important to recognise there is a learning curve for introducing automation. To achieve the desired outcome for your business the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the other members of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, offer technology agnostic advice to support businesses as they take the first steps on their automation journey. This guidance will be useful beyond this first step and is also actionable in any future automation investments. Now is the time for UK manufacturers and the wider business community to gain the benefits of robot automation and the MTC stands ready to help.

Explore what other businesses have achieved

Arrowsmith Engineering, an engineering SME producing complex, precision aerospace parts invested in a robot for the load and unload of one of their machine tools. This allowed the operator to be redeployed to a task which provided much better utilisation of their skills, provided a 15% increase in throughput and saved the cost of buying an additional machine tool.

Castings plc produce iron and iron alloy castings for the automotive sector with 90% of their production being exported. They produce up to 2,500 different components which go through a grinding process. They have installed robot systems to automate the load and unload of their grinding machines. This has led to cycle times being reduced by 50% and improved productivity with 1 worker able to operate 4 machines compared with 2 previously.

JSP, based near Oxford have been on an automation journey since 2006. They have automated the production process for their safety helmets enabling the reshoring of assembly which has doubled the turnover produced in the UK and reduced lead times to less than 5 days. JSP have significantly grown turnover, with about 50 robots in use throughout their operations and also no reduction in the number of employees.

To find out more about how you can address issues related to staff shortages, recruitment retention, and the role of technology in this please visit our main campaign page.