Smart manufacturing: The solution to the UK’s productivity puzzle?
With the UK’s productivity consistently lagging behind other international markets, such as France, Germany and the US, building a robust smart manufacturing ecosystem could play a major role in the country’s mission to become globally competitive. As a transformational tech hub with a mindset for disruption, the West Midlands is perfectly placed to spearhead this transition. So, how can greater adoption of robotics and automation help in turbocharging UK productivity and how can companies successfully kickstart their smart manufacturing journey?
In simple terms, productivity is a measure of how efficiently an economy turns its inputs, such as labour and capital, into outputs, such as goods and services. The UK’s chronic lack of productivity growth and gap with other international markets has only increased since the global financial crisis. For manufacturers, raising productivity over time allows them to produce more goods with the same number of workers, while also contributing towards a sustainable and resilient UK economy.
Often, a major obstacle to improving productivity levels is the need for rework or recalls, which inevitably occur as a result of human error. In contrast, by their nature, robotic systems are highly accurate and consistent in their output, however, the use of such technologies requires specialist skills for implementation, maintenance and core programming. Enabling robots and humans to collaborate closely in an automated manufacturing environment, “smart factories” effectively allow businesses to combine the best of both worlds. This idea is key to Industry 5.0, which centres around robots and humans working together in a harmonious way.
A smart factory is defined as a digitised and highly automated manufacturing facility that uses connected devices, machinery and production systems to continuously collect and share data. This data is then used to improve processes as well as proactively address any issues that may arise along the production line. Smart factories are enabled by a variety of technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cloud computing and the industrial Internet of Things (IoT).
One significant benefit of smart factories is that automation provides manufacturers with the ability to take greater control over the assembly line. For example, many manufacturing businesses are facing a perfect storm of ever-growing complexity, such as the need to introduce different product mixes, and adapt to fast-changing market conditions. Smart manufacturing processes allow businesses to take back control by introducing flexibility, enabling them to better adapt to new customer demands, while improving productivity, operational quality and scalability.
Developing smarter factories can also help manufacturers on their mission to become more sustainable. The industrial sector accounts for roughly one fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions and for customers, employees, partners and stakeholders alike, sustainability is becoming increasingly important. By gaining more control over the assembly process, automation enables manufacturers to do more with less, while minimising the likelihood of reworks and recalls. As a result, materials and energy are used more efficiently and unnecessary waste is minimised, lowering operational costs and improving ROI. At the same time, regular data insights enable more predictive maintenance, further reducing resource waste. However, investment in automation can also deliver social value, improving working conditions for employees. By automating tiresome, hazardous and high-risk tasks, manufacturers can free up humans to work on more rewarding, value-add activity while creating a safer working environment.
In many cases, the transition to smart manufacturing may be held back by fears that it may be a complex and costly process. With this in mind, collaborating with an established industrial productivity partner from the start of the project is key to ensuring the implementation goes “right first time”. To make the most of investments in automation and ensure the transition runs smoothly, securing the right smart manufacturing talent or upskilling existing employees is also essential.
As a region where industrial heritage and emerging tech capabilities collide, the West Midlands region has the potential to lead the UK on its journey towards a more productive smart manufacturing future. As well as being the UK’s fastest-growing tech sector, the region is home to a Government-backed Advanced Manufacturing Investment Zone, which is set to turbocharge commercial opportunities for international businesses.
Located in one of the region’s three thriving cities – Wolverhampton – Atlas Copco’s state-of-the-art Smart Factory Innovation Centre exemplifies this potential. The UK-first facility features a replica factory production environment, serving as a showcase and training hub for its industry-leading smart manufacturing solutions, designed to deliver real-time production efficiencies for customers.
In order to successfully solve the UK’s productivity puzzle and become truly globally competitive, manufacturers must step up their investment in automation and the West Midlands is ideally placed to set the example. By making the transition to smart factories, businesses can effectively do more with less by creating an environment where robots and humans work hand in hand. This will enable them to realise efficiencies, meet their sustainability targets and retain talent by creating a safer workplace for their people.
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techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation
The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.
techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’.
Tech and Innovation Summit, 6 Nov (rescheduled date)
Emerging technologies will be debated and explored at our annual Tech and Innovation Summit, taking place on 6 November. This campaign week will directly feed into the themes discussed at the Summit.
techUK’s flagship Tech and Innovation Summit returns to traverse the extraordinary and ground-breaking discoveries made possible by the application of emerging and transformative technologies.
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Sprint Campaigns
techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).
Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK.
This campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report.
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Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, he is techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, covering dozens of technologies including metaverse, drones, future materials, robotics, blockchain, space technologies, nanotechnology, gaming tech and Web3.0.
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- [email protected]
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- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
This campaign has explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations is currently being produced (to be launched in September 2024).
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Event round-ups
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Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, he is techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, covering dozens of technologies including metaverse, drones, future materials, robotics, blockchain, space technologies, nanotechnology, gaming tech and Web3.0.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from July to December 2024, this campaign will explore how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity will take the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and reports.
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Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, he is techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, covering dozens of technologies including metaverse, drones, future materials, robotics, blockchain, space technologies, nanotechnology, gaming tech and Web3.0.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Campaign Weeks
Our annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector.
Summits
Tech and Innovation Summit 2023
Tech and Innovation Summit 2024
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, he is techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, covering dozens of technologies including metaverse, drones, future materials, robotics, blockchain, space technologies, nanotechnology, gaming tech and Web3.0.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Laura Foster
Laura Foster
Laura is techUK’s Head of Programme for Technology and Innovation.
She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.
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- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster
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