Technology and the manufacturing industry have always worked hand in hand. Recently, however, rapid technological innovation and the Internet have fuelled the ongoing industrial revolution in 2020 where robotic automation is expected to expand its role and impact in various manufacturing settings.

Companies should be looking to benefit from the potential of technologies such as artificial intelligence and edge computing for business success and competitive advantage.

Machine breakdowns are normal occurrences in the manufacturing industry. The repetitive functions of each machine inevitably lead to failures and downtime. The trouble with this, of course, is that manufacturing today requires greater levels of efficiency and quality output. Any equipment failures resulting in unplanned downtime can lead to service delays, disgruntled customers, and possible losses in terms of productivity and income.

Cybersecurity poses a serious threat to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) enabled devices and robotic automation equipment. Attackers who gain access to industrial networks have a number of devastating options available to them, from changing production data to causing harmful production errors.

In the past, the word “automation” has created such a buzz, especially in the manufacturing industry. The discourse surrounding the use of robots in the processing and delivery of products is a hot topic of conversation throughout various industries. Majority shareholders are pushing top management officials to adopt automation due to the numerous benefits it brings. The overreaching goal is to seamlessly integrate it into their current processes to streamline their operations. 

Warehouse storage and retrieval are set to undergo a worldwide change over the next decade. Automated warehouses will delegate many of the tasks now performed by people to robots, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Warehouses with automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) will have several advantages over those that rely on human labour.

Robotic automation is the future for manufacturers of all sizes and can help them save money and time and even create new jobs that weren't previously available.

There are a number of roadblocks preventing manufacturers from achieving true Industry 4.0 processes, and at the same time, there are a number of emerging solutions bringing production further into the future.

In the digital age, what is the best way to grow a business? Adopting the newest and best technologies, of course. For this reason, enterprises and manufacturers in the UK have ventured into what is now known as Industry 4.0. These are 'smart factories' which incorporate cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber-physical systems, among other tech advancements. In addition, many manufacturers have started to realize the benefits of implementing augmented reality (AR) to assist their production lines.

For those who are new to the world of robotic automation, it’s natural to ask why you should invest in this technology. Most business owners will want to fully understand the goals, the problems solved, the economic reasons, and the benefits of robotic automation before truly considering the investment.