Bridging the digital divide: supporting robotics adoption in UK Manufacturing
Related topics
Manufacturing
SME
Automation & Robotics
Digital Manufacturing
The latest Make UK report, Making it Smarter, highlights the need to support UK manufacturers in embracing robotics and digital technologies.
With SMEs making up over 90% of the manufacturing sector, the report calls for more inclusive, expert-led support to help smaller firms overcome barriers to automation and innovation.
Our CEO shared the following statement in response to the report:
Today’s Make UK report is a timely reminder that the UK must accelerate its efforts to close the digitalisation gap in manufacturing, particularly for SMEs. We recognise that many businesses still face real barriers to adopting robotics and digital technologies, and that more needs to be done to ensure support reaches those who need it most.
With only 10% of UK manufacturers operating fully digital factories and robot density at just 112 per 10,000 workers (half the EU average), the need for support has never been clearer.
That’s why we continue to champion inclusive, expert-led support, through our involvement in initiatives like Made Smarter and helping to establish the West Midlands RAS Cluster. Our work is driven by a belief that every business, regardless of size, should have access to the tools and knowledge that unlock productivity and growth.
We’re constantly learning from global leaders to strengthen our approach. Insights from recent visits to leading European organisations, shared at our Robotics and Automation event in June, are helping us shape more effective, practical support for UK manufacturers.
The UK has the talent and ambition. We’re committed to working across the innovation ecosystem to help turn that potential into delivery, ensuring businesses of all sizes can thrive in a digitally enabled future.
Graham Hoare, CEO, MTC