BARA, the British Automation and Robot Association, has reported that 2010 UK robot sales are up 65% on 2009 figures, reversing the declining trend in robot sales which the UK has seen year on year since 2005.

A recent end-of-year robot sales comparison survey carried out by BARA, which is made up of 40 robotics and automation companies and includes all major UK robot suppliers, shows that the increase in robot sales was much higher than industry pundits initially predicted.

"The 2010 figures, the best result since 2005, paint an optimistic picture for robotics and automation," comments Mike Wilson, president of BARA.

Significantly, the survey shows that the automotive sector is declining, having taken 35% of sales in 2010 compared with 48% in 2006, whereas sales to late adopters of automation namely the food, pharmaceutical and aerospace industries are all up.
"Compared with 2006 figures, the food and drink industry is up by 228%, pharmaceutical, healthcare and medical has risen by 263%, and aerospace shows the biggest increase of all at 644%; we hope that these areas of growth can be attributed to an increase in robotics awareness within the UK market," enthuses Mr Wilson.

One area of concern, given that the growth sectors are mostly made up of larger companies, is that this survey may indicate that SMEs still have a lack of automation awareness. "So that SMEs can better understand the benefits of automation, BARA is developing an awareness programme with a series of UK Road Shows which will begin in March this year," says Mr Wilson. "These regional events will provide manufacturers with an excellent source of information and know-how so that they can overcome the obstacles suppressing their uptake of automation and consequently increase their competitive edge."

This positive scheme which aims to stimulate interest in automation, was an outcome from the recommendations made in the recent Application of Automation in UK Manufacturing industry study, which looked to find out why the UK lags behind the rest of the world in the adoption of automation and address the issues with an action plan of initiatives to stimulate growth.

BARA (British Automation and Robot Association) provides a voice for the robotics and automation industries, when dealing with Government, industry, financial and academic institutions. Since 1979 BARA's aim has been to promote the use of, and assist in the development of automation in British industry. The Association has over 40 robotics and automation members.
 

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