Learnings from last year and how 2025 will play out.
Date: Monday 3 February
Time: 2pm-3:30pm
Location: Livestream online
This first event of 2025 will review the host of topics covered by the UK Automation Forum in its inaugural year asking has the environment for automation adoption in the UK changed. And with current economic pressures mounting on manufacturers, will this impact the rate of automation adoption across the UK this year.
Watch the full rewind below
EVENT LEARNINGS
The first event organised by the UK Automation Forum in 2025 took place online in February and reviewed the host of topics covered in its inaugural year while asking if the environment for automation adoption in the UK has changed, and what will we see this year?
It’s been a challenging year for robot sales but there has been some success in non-traditional automation user categories such as retail and food & beverage producers. This seems set to continue as increasing labour costs and labour shortages remain. Download the report to find out event learnings.
Download hereOur Host
Thomas Flude
Co-Founder of Engineers InsightWith over 12 years of experience in the manufacturing sector and a resume that includes leading companies like Yaskawa and Schneider Electric, Tom brings unparalleled expertise and passion to the Forum. Driven by a commitment to advancing the engineering and manufacturing industry, Tom created the Engineer’s Insight mobile app – a game-changer that’s resonating with professionals across generations, including emerging young engineers. His influence extends far and wide, thanks to his engaging podcasts – some of which have collected 20,000+ views – and his strong presence on social media.
Our Panellists
Peter Williamson
Executive Chair, Automate UKIn his role as Executive Chair of leading trade body Automate UK, Peter is looking to use his 25 years of experience in robotics and automation to support end users in adopting the latest in automation technology and to help raise awareness of the benefits that automation can bring to UK manufacturing. His experience comes from RARUK Automation, a company he formed in 2016 that is now a world leading supplier of collaborative robots (or cobots), and for which he is also now a non-executive director.
Mike Wilson
Chair UK Automation Forum & Chief Automation Officer, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)Mike has over 40 years of experience in the application of automation to manufacturing across a broad range of industry sectors and is widely recognised as one of the leading authorities on the application of industrial robot systems in the UK. At the MTC, he is leading the drive to increase the adoption of robotics and automation in the UK. He is also a Director of the Manufacturing Technologies Association, Council member and past Chairman of the British Automation and Robot Association and has previously been Chairman of the International Federation of Robotics.
Get in touch
Want to get involved or share your views? Just complete your details below and we’ll be in touch.
List of audience Q&As below
Are the 58K vacancies within the Manufacturing sector in total or within a specific sector?
This is Make UK data and applies to the whole of the Manufacturing sector.
Is the Appetite for Engineering Conference exclusively for those in an engineering role?
The conference is intended for Food & Beverage Manufacturing/Processing professionals in engineering facing roles. Further details can be found at Appetite for Engineering | Food and beverage sector engineering conference
As an administrative and finance background and experience, what are the possibilities to get in the automation sector if you are not a IT analyst or an engineer ?
All businesses, including those in the automation sector, need a range of skills including administration and finance. A UK robot business was actually created by two architects.
What are UK Managers or Owners really scared of when considering robots.....and why?
There are a number of issues which are impeding robot adoption including; culture and lack of capital investment generally, outdated perceptions of risks and costs, lack of awareness, short term financial horizons, concerns relating to lack of skills. These issues are discussed in other panels hostedghosted by the UK Automation Forum. Please have a look at https://www.ukautomationforum.com/events-exhibitions/automation-how-will-greater-adoption-benefit-uk-plc/
I am currently working within the Advanced Manufacturing Team within CAFRE NI- we are just finishing up a Funded Pilot Project around enthusing the Food Processing Sector in adopting robotics/automation/ smart technology. 1- Is appetite for engineering specifically for food based engineers- will there be a display of new / recent technology into industry? 2- A few stats from Made UK where used in the Forum- Do they generate a report on status with adoption?
Check out the website: Appetite for Engineering | Food and beverage sector engineering conference
Make UK (The Manufacturers' Organisation | Make UK) generate a number of relevant reports. One specifically related to automation: Manufacturing and Automation | Make UK
Sorry if this has been already discussed are their grants for SME's ref Automation this will help encourage viewing and Demonstrations
One source of support is: UK Digital Manufacturing advice & innovation | Made Smarter. Unfortunately this is not currently available nationwide but is planned to be extended.