Conference aims to reap benefits of automation and robotics

1 min read

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is to host a two-day conference to drive the uptake of robotics and automation across UK manufacturing.

The Robotics and Automation - A New Perspective 2023 event at the MTC from 10-11 May will explore the future of automation in UK industry and demonstrate the opportunities available to UK industry.

Delegates from a wide range of industries from construction to agriculture and food production will get the chance to share insights into the transformational benefits of cutting edge robotic technologies and learn how automation can improve productivity and drive global competitiveness for UK businesses.

The free event, which builds on the successful conference in 2022, will build on the recommendations of a report by MTC robotics experts and the Industrial Policy Research Centre at Loughborough University. The report,  Robotics and Automation: A New Perspective, can be seen here:  https://www.the-mtc.org/media/bdba0ls0/automation-and-robotics-research-paper-a4-pages.pdf

The report called for more knowledge-sharing across the robotics community, the need for support for developers and early stage adopters, an emphasis on skills, as well as a greater understanding among the investor and finance community of the business benefits of automation.

Mike Wilson, chief automation officer at the MTC and author of the report, said: "This isn't just a typical manufacturing conference. It's an opportunity to meet, discuss and address the challenges with the adoption of automation and robotics. Delegates can listen to inspiring talks by industry experts, join educational workshops, discover innovative technologies or simply network with likeminded individuals.

"The event aims to instil confidence in our companies to transform their future. It will enable SMEs and supply chain companies to explore ground-breaking and innovative industrial robotic solutions so they can understand how their manufacturing operations would benefit.

"Pioneers of robotics will be on hand to highlight successful projects which have reaped the benefits of intelligent automation, and help people make the right decisions. It's all about the sharing of best practice. At the MTC we aim to create an ecosystem for everyone from SMEs to major industrial players and academics, to work together to encourage greater use of automation in UK industry," he said.

The conference will bring together high level speakers from industry, government and academia to emphasise the transformational benefits of automation, as well as the skills and system integration solutions needed to enable adoption.

More information about the event can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/robotics-and-automation-a-new-perspective-2023-tickets-504718716267