Less than one third of the UK’s SME manufacturers currently use robots – or plan to do so – highlighting a sector where the vast majority of businesses are losing out on the chance to address key sector challenges such as talent shortages and introduce efficiency-boosting solutions.
The latest national Manufacturing Barometer report reveals that just 16% of manufacturing businesses have already adopted robots, with another 13% saying they plan to start using them. But over 70% have no plans, or are unsure about, introducing robots.
Three important findings came out of our research;
- Few SME manufacturers in the UK are benefiting from using robots in their businesses. Secondly,
- The bulk of SME manufacturers are not using robots because they believe there is no robotic solution available to them; the majority of these manufacture low volume bespoke products.
- More than one third of SME manufacturers who do not yet use robots are unsure if their competitors do
