Growing productivity with robotics

For too long now, UK manufacturers have been operating under a cloud of uncertainty. Soaring energy costs, persistent skills shortages, and mounting geopolitical tensions have placed sustained pressure on the sector in recent years. 

 

On the surface, this hesitancy to act is reflected in a recent report from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), which found that the UK experienced a 35% decrease in robotics installations between 2023 and 2024. Let’s not forget, these technologies are crucial to driving productivity and growth in our manufacturing sector, both for today and tomorrow. 

 

But we also shouldn’t forget that Britain has a strong manufacturing and industrial base, which has been the envy of other nations. This hasn’t disappeared, and it’s my opinion that the IFR’s findings are only one part of a much larger picture being painted within a complex, evolving landscape.  

 

This larger picture points to signs of real strength across a series of industries, including developments such as the launch of the UK’s 10-year industrial strategy and JCB’s recent UK factory investment. Manufacturing is firmly on the national agenda.

 

All of this said, we still have a huge and exciting opportunity to accelerate manufacturing progress through robotics, made possible by our country’s niche and innovative industry ecosystem, which is ripe for transformation, improved logistics and a future-ready workforce. 

 

 

Industry-specific nuances in the UK

Despite strong overall figures, with 777 robots per 10,000 employees, the UK’s automotive sector is experiencing a decline in new robotics installations according to the IFR. Demand in this sector has fallen 47% between 2023 and 2024, largely driven by the industry’s ongoing transition to electric vehicle (EV) production. This is down to the way electric vehicles are built when compared with normal combustion engines; essentially, there’s far less tooling required, and therefore less work for robots to do.

 

However, companies that manufacture for the defence and aerospace sectors, or high-tech industries such as AI, are experiencing a sharp and rising need for robotics installations. We may not make as many cars as continental Europe, but we make more defence products. In fact, the UK is the second biggest exporter of aerospace components globally after America.

 

So what does this mean?

 

In high-value manufacturing, the UK punches well above its weight. A lot of our industries aren’t highly automated yet, but the opportunity is there which will, no doubt, grow and grow.

 

 

Establishing a logistical advantage

About 10.5% of the UK’s GDP is in manufacturing, which may seem small, but it’s responsible for about 75% of our exports. If we automate those industries, not only will we catch up, but we’ll actually have the potential to leapfrog other nations. If we can make our products cheaper and faster to manufacture, we can dominate those markets we sell into.

 

The UK has close proximity to European markets, and when combined with robust infrastructure and networks, as well as the technology to drive greater supply of products, is in an ideal position to compete globally and drive growth.

 

Cobots (collaborative robots), in particular, have continued to show their strength in modern manufacturing environments. These smaller, more flexible robots, which offer ease of use and installation for manufacturing workers, are an inexpensive and accessible form of automation for SMEs.

 

By reducing many of the logistical barriers traditionally associated with robotics adoption, including complex setup, space constraints and high upfront costs, cobots enable SMEs to streamline production and supply chains. As more SMEs turn to these lower-cost automation solutions, they are better positioned to export more easily to Europe and beyond.

 

 

Leveraging cobots to boost productivity

To keep British industry competitive, the adoption of automation is key to boosting efficiency and productivity. Cobots improve the basic output of goods by speeding up traditional processes, allowing products to be made faster and cheaper. 

 

According to recent research Universal Robots conducted, almost three-quarters (73%) of UK companies identified productivity improvement as one of their primary drivers for automation. Amidst ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and industry disruption, this focus on boosting output and operational efficiency signals a remarkable resilience, and a forward-thinking mindset.

 

Cobots are delivering on productivity promises – with more than 80% of users reporting double-digit gains, these tools are proving to be a high-impact, accessible route to performance improvement.

 

This is not to say robots are replacing humans though. In fact, the opposite is true. With physically demanding tasks now shared with a cobot, time is freed up which can be dedicated to upskilling or higher value tasks that will drive growth for businesses across various industries.  

 

 

Equipping workforces with the skills to evolve  

As industries move to smart manufacturing and higher automation, we need to ensure the next generation of talent is equipped with the right skills for Britian to lead in manufacturing productivity and output.

 

Cobots specifically are emerging as a practical and scalable answer to global labour shortages, especially in roles that are physically demanding, repetitive, or difficult to staff. An overwhelming 91% of European companies believe cobots could help reduce global labour shortages by at least 10% according to our research.

 

The next generation of Britain’s workforce needs to be skilled in data intelligence, software engineering, IT services, and robotics, as smart solutions shift away from traditional, labour-intensive tasks.

 

 

Reigniting our proud manufacturing heritage

For the UK to do its historic manufacturing prowess justice, we’ll require a mix of bold steps by industry decision-makers and a commitment to modernising processes. Britain is well-positioned to use robotic technologies to help niche industries and leverage our geographical position to our advantage. But the time to act is now.

 

If we dare to innovate with the same spirit that once powered the industrial revolution, the next great age of British manufacturing won’t be a story from our past, but a promise for our future.

 

---

 

Mark Gray, UK & Ireland Country Manager, Universal Robotics

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and B4LLS