Guide To Suppliers

There is mounting pressure on manufacturers to increase throughput, run times, and provide safer working conditions – as a result, the adoption of industrial robots is increasing. During a recent roundtable, hosted by Paige West, Editor of Connectivity at the IML Group, a panel of BARA representatives and industry experts discussed developing the business case for automation and choosing the appropriate suppliers and applications.

The British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) has reported that after the completion of the first year of the government funded Automating Manufacturing programme, 156 applications were received from UK manufacturers to March 31 exceeding the best estimations by more than 50 percent. British manufacturers are urged to apply before the government money runs out.

Successful implementation of automated or robotic systems can drive productivity, reduce waste, improve precision and ultimately increase the competitiveness of companies. A government funded programme - Automating Manufacturing - provides the opportunity for UK manufacturers to benefit from independent, impartial expertise to assist in the implementation of appropriate automation systems.

BARA, the British Automation and Robot Association, reports that 2010 UK robot sales rose 65% on 2009 figures, reversing the declining trend in robot sales, which the UK has seen year on year since 2005. A recent end-of-year robot sales comparison survey carried out by BARA, which is made up of 40 robotics and automation companies and includes all major UK robot suppliers, shows that the increase in robot sales was much higher than industry pundits initially predicted.