OCTOBER 2019 OPINION
Scotland the brave
Scotland can lead the way when it comes to adoption of
automation, but only if it fully backs the latest technology
BY ALISTAIR BLACK, HEAD OF CONSULTING AND ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING, JOHNSTON CARMICHAEL
With the advances in
automation and artificial
intelligence and a wider
adoption of technology on
the factory floor, the security of traditional
manufacturing jobs worldwide seemingly
hangs in the balance.
Recent analysis by global forecasting
firm Oxford Economics estimates that up
to 20 million manufacturing jobs globally
could be replaced by robots over the next
10 years.
At first glance this is a startling
prediction, especially for those currently
employed within the manufacturing sector.
But what does a robot in the workplace
really mean? What could the impact be on
Scotland’s manufacturing and engineering
companies, and what can they do to develop
their business models and workforce to
prepare for change?
A question of definition
In industry, the term ‘robots’ is used to
describe everything from ‘pick and place’
machines and robotic welders, through
to software applications (bots) that can
perform an automated task such as placing
an order with a supplier when stocks run
low. Given this broad range of applications,
it might not be so surprising to understand
why so many jobs could easily be replaced.
In truth, robots have been a key part
of the manufacturing environment for
decades. Their ability to undertake repetitive
tasks, at a level of precision and speed that
humans are incapable of, has been essential
in bringing many of the products we take
for granted to the mass market – think cars,
mobile phones and white goods.
To be competitive in a global market,
businesses need to invest in more
automated production lines which can
increase productivity and reduce cost –
and consequently, reduce the number
of assembly operators they employ. As
technology advances and machines become
smarter, this trend is likely to accelerate.
Rather than shrinking the workforce,
there is evidence to suggest that there will
instead be a shift in the role that humans
play in the factories of the future. Many
of the jobs that employees will be doing in
tomorrow’s production facilities don’t exist
today, but manual and repetitive tasks will
continue to be replaced by more creative
and value adding roles such as installation,
commissioning, programming and
maintenance of the new technology. This
will require a re-training of the workforce
to ensure manufacturing companies have
access to the skills and expertise needed to
undertake these roles.
However, high volume repetitive
manufacturing is only one part of the
industry. For many smaller companies – the
average headcount of Scottish manufacturing
businesses is less than 25 – the key to success
is low volume manufacture with a high level
of customisation. Large, heavy and expensive
machines, typically designed to undertake
one repetitive task, are not agile enough to
support such operations. Instead, they are
starting to invest in the next generation of
robots. Lightweight, highly mobile and easy
to programme, these new ‘cobots’, as they
have been labelled, are designed to work
collaboratively with humans. Rather than
replacing them, their role is to help assembly
workers become more productive and
operate more safely.
Young, but growing
The market for smaller, agile robots is in
its infancy, but many observers believe that
they will revolutionise the manufacturing
landscape in the coming years. Alongside
techniques such as additive manufacturing
and 3D printing, this means that low-volume
production can be done quickly and costeffectively;
humans and machines working
side-by-side.
The integration of smart machines in
global production and supply chains will
progress with the development of new,
faster technologies. There is no going
back. Rather than being seen as a threat,
this will enable manufacturing companies
of all sizes to become more efficient and
competitive, whilst providing ample
opportunities for their employees to
develop their skills and undertake more
interesting and stimulating roles.
Has your company seen productivity and cost benefits from embracing automation?
We want to hear from you. Email: chris.beck@markallengroup.com
www.manufacturingmanagement.co.uk 11
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To be competitive,
businesses need to invest in
more automation...”
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