2050 vision for automation and robotics

A new report from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult has set out what a future UK manufacturing sector could achieve if it was built upon a foundation of automation and robotics (A&R).

2050 vision for automation and robotics in UK manufacturing argues that there will be widescale adoption of A&R across the sector by 2050.

The report, produced by the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) with contributions from other High Value Manufacturing Catapult centres, presents the current state of A&R in the UK, highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, before outlining a vision for A&R in the future.

The vision includes: a decentralised approach to the production of goods, where manufacturing processes are dispersed across multiple locations or facilities; products designed with automation and circular economy in mind; advances in sensory capabilities and intelligence, largely driven by AI; and a general acceptance of robots working alongside humans or providing support by undertaking tasks which humans do not want to do.

It says that by embracing the technology across the industry, the UK will benefit from increased productivity and competitiveness, stronger supply chains, improved living standards and more jobs with improved salaries.

The report has called on academics, RTOs, equipment and solutions providers, and end users to work together to develop the solutions, support services and skills pipeline to meet the needs of businesses.

Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, said: “Despite the UK’s strengths in advanced robotics research and artificial intelligence (AI), the UK needs to ensure that it is not left behind other nations when it comes to implementation.

“It is crucial to continue investing in research and development, fostering collaboration, but also ensuring the responsible adoption of A&R technologies to maximise their benefits across the UK and the global manufacturing industry.”

Read and download the 2050 vision for automation and robotics in UK manufacturing report, here.