As UK manufacturers continue to face productivity and net zero challenges, their progress is being hindered by labour shortages. Against this backdrop, this year’s Robotics and Automation: For a Sustainable Future will explore how greater adoption of this technology can address these issues. The event will be held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) on the 14 and 15 of May.
Focusing on the use of robotics and automation by smaller businesses, SMEs will share the challenges they faced, and lessons learnt in adopting these solutions. There will also be explanations of the support services that are available to minimise the risk of adopting this for the first time.
In addition, panellists and speakers from Schneider Electric, Renishaw and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult will provide their insights on how innovations in robotics and automation contribute to a circular economy. Attendees will also have the opportunity to discover some of the emerging applications for robotics, the development programme being proposed by Advanced Research & Invention Agency (ARIA) and the progress of the exciting robotics start-ups in the UK.
Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at the MTC, says: “With labour shortages continuing to bite, using robotics to solve this problem, to become more productive and boost competitiveness, is accelerating. By convening stakeholders to share their expertise and experiences, we can help manufacturers to explore the benefits this technology can offer.”
To register for the free event, please visit Robotics and Automation: For a Sustainable Future 2024 (the-mtc.org). To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact eventsthe-mtc.org.
WHY ATTEND?
- Live keynote presentations and speakers
- Audience led Q&A panel discussions
- Speak directly with event sponsors and browse exhibitions
- Network with likeminded individuals from manufacturing
- Meet potential collaborators and integrators from the robotics and automation sector
- Live demonstrators and tours of the MTC facility
KEY THEMES
In addition to the core programme of presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions, tours and networking opportunities, we’ll be focusing on a number of key themes each day.
Day One:
Productivity and Adoption
UK productivity is suffering due to low adoption of robotics and automation. Find out why this is important and the benefits to be gained from automation. SMEs from various sectors will share their experiences of adopting automation and the lessons they learnt along the way.
Automation Adoption Support
Keen to find out more about the support available to help companies successfully adopt robotics and automation to enhance business performance? Then join this session to find out more. There will be a particular focus on sources of support for SMEs.
Academic Engagement
Join this academic engagement workshop to discuss current challenges in robotics and automation within manufacturing. Explore how low-TRL research can address these issues and learn about live and upcoming academic collaboration with the MTC to support automation adoption.
ARIA Robotics Programme
Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) Programme Director, Professor Jenny Read, will provide an update on the development of the ARIA robotics research and development programme. To be followed by a discussion/Q&A with the audience.
UK Automation Forum Discussion: Why a Change in Culture will Benefit Productivity in this Country
This panel discussion will discuss how changing company culture can benefit the bottom line in modern manufacturing. Securing support from all stakeholders in a decision to adopt automation – from the board room to the shop floor – is key to the success of any project. Expert panellists from across industry sectors will share their insights on this important topic.
Drinks Reception
Join us at the drinks reception at the end of day one to network with exhibitors, speakers and fellow delegates.
Day Two:
Circular Economy and Business Resilience
Industry is on a journey to minimise resource usage, eliminate waste and reduce emissions by making the circular economy a reality. Explore how automation and robotics can play a key role in addressing challenges associated with the circular economy, contributing to increased competitiveness and business resilience.
Start-ups Workshop
What more could be done to support the scale-up, growth and long-term stability of automation and robotics start-ups? Hear first-hand from UK-based automation and robotics start-ups, exploring challenges they are facing, identifying gaps in support and generating recommendations to address these moving forward.
Robotics Proving Ground
Participants in the recently launched Robotics Proving Ground, led by Innovate UK Business Connect, will outline the details of the programme, discuss the objectives and benefits and discuss the initiative with the audience.
Emerging Applications
To remain competitive, it’s crucial that UK manufacturing continues to innovate when it comes to automation application. Join this workshop to learn more about applications whose development, and practical deployment, will provide significant impact once fully industrialised. Hear directly from industrial end users and their supply chain on how they are deploying these new solutions and the benefits and challenges that they face.
Closing Panel Session
The event will close with the launch of an exciting new initiative, led by MTC and University of Birmingham, aimed at accelerating the development and exploitation of robots and robotics technologies in the UK.
REGISTRATION
Registration is essential for anyone wishing to attend Robotics and Automation: For a Sustainable Future. We only have limited places available, so book early to avoid disappointment. here