How robots can help UK manufacturers tackle skills shortages and drive productivity

The UK manufacturing industry is grappling with significant challenges that are impacting competitiveness, including a shortage of skilled labour and a need for greater flexibility in production. In the final instalment of DPA's The Future of Robotics with ABB series, Julian Ware, UK & Ireland Sales Manager for ABB Robotics, looks at how robots are playing a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges.

04/03/2025 11:17:32

The problem of a shortage of skilled labour is affecting manufacturing companies worldwide, due to factors such as ageing populations and younger people choosing alternative careers.

A recent survey revealed that 97 percent of UK manufacturers cite the hiring and retention of skilled labour as a significant challenge, with 75 percent considering it the most substantial barrier to growth.

Robots are well suited to taking over tasks that are either difficult to fill due to their repetitive, dangerous or dirty nature, or where a shortage of skilled workers exists. For instance, the welding sector alone is expected to face a shortfall of 35,000 skilled professionals by 2027. Companies are increasingly turning to automation to bridge this gap.

Read the full article in DPA's March 2025 issue