Automation UK 2024 brings automation and robotics to life
Published: 22 July, 2024
The recent 2-day Automation UK event at the CBS Arena in Coventry was filled with exhibitors showcasing their latest state-of-the-art automation and robotics technologies and solutions as well as captivating demonstrations and inspiring expert talks.
The show is owned and organised by Automate UK whose aim is to be the leading voice of the UK robotics and automation industries in the UK. Automate UK promotes the importance of automation and robotics to the future growth of the UK economy. By highlighting the potential benefits of these technologies, the show aims to encourage more businesses to invest in these areas.
Automation UK is becoming recognised as a leading show in this field, bringing together well-known suppliers of robots, robotic systems, systems integration, automation control parts and systems, sensors and machine safety. These solutions have already demonstrated their effectiveness through the positive impact they have had in numerous industries, delivering improvements in areas such as efficiency, productivity and safety. This is a key driver to why Automation UK draws a large number of visitors from sectors like manufacturing, retail/consumer, automotive, electrical, electronics, engineering, aerospace, maritime, food, drink, logistics, transport, oil, gas and nuclear.
Greg Humphreys, Group Warehouse and Distribution Manager at Specsavers said: “When Vision meets Vision. The event was fantastic, it was exciting to see the technological advancements in vision technology and the potential applications for our global manufacturing and distribution operations. It also provided us with valuable leads and future possibilities as we explore automation and vision technology to enhance our processes.”
Throughout the two-day Automation UK, there was a vibrant atmosphere in the hall at the CBS Arena with cutting-edge demonstrations, exciting product launches, inspiring seminars and face-to-face networking. This year’s show has been a great success for both exhibitors and visitors as well as the organisers.
Once again, Automation UK delivered a fantastic platform for buyers and visitors to see the latest products and technologies from over 50 world-class exhibitors, including ABB, Fanuc UK, Festo, Piab, KUKA Robotics UK, Schubert UK, and RARUK Automation.
Visitors were also treated to an impressive line-up of expert speakers, such as Vanessa Loiola, the founder of Valoy Automation, whose talk focused on ‘Enhancing Robotic Cell Performance with Strategic Programming Solutions’. Vanessa highlighted the importance of modern solutions that can optimise robot functionality, reduce downtime, and increase productivity.
The second keynote session was delivered by Mike Loughran, Director of Intelligent Devices, Software & Control Business – EMEA North Region at Rockwell Automation. Mike’s session explored how companies can quickly, and easily deploy emerging technologies to support their smart manufacturing goals, whilst helping them overcome some of the challenges facing UK manufacturing.
The comprehensive seminar programme offered something for everyone with its wide range of thought-provoking topics, such as the process of deploying MiR robots successfully, the impact of AI in the food industry, time-of-flight sensor in factory automation, and saving energy using vacuum automation.
The programme also included two live panel discussions. The UK Automation Forum panel discussion on ‘bridging the skills gap within the UK manufacturing industry’, and the BARA panel discussion ‘How automation can help drive out inefficiencies in manufacturing companies.’
The UK Automation Forum panel was hosted by Gail Hunt from Automate UK, who was joined by leading industry experts including Mike Loughran – Rockwell Automation, Chris Rooum – MTC – Manufacturing Technology Centre, Mike Wilson – MTC – Manufacturing Technology Centre, Phil Webb – Cranfield University, and Oliver Selby – FANUC UK. Participants had an insightful discussion on the impact that skills shortages are having on business, including their ability to adopt new technologies, automation and robotics. The BARA panel discussion was chaired by Phillipa Glover – Phillipa Glover Ltd, with a panel consisting of BARA Chairman George Thompson – Gudel, Martin Kidman Phd – SICK, Andrew Mason – RAR UK, and Oliver Selby – FANUC UK. Both events were extremely well attended with some important questions being asked by the audience.
In between taking advantage of free learning opportunities at seminars and exploring exhibitors’ stands, visitors were able to access additional features that included the ifm truck with impressive innovations on display, such as smart sensors, HMIs, controllers, IO-Link technology and Moneo software solutions. Another fascinating feature that grabbed visitors’ attention was ABB’s YuMi artist, an incredible robot that is able to create a person’s portrait in just five minutes.
George Thompson from BARA said: “What’s clear from this year’s Automation UK is that it is really growing as a key show for our industry. There’s been an incredible atmosphere in the hall with all the visitors buzzing around the exciting displays put on by all the exhibitors. We’re grateful for everyone who has participated in this year’s show and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more exhibitors and visitors next year.”
Visitors were once again able to visit the co-located Machine Vision Conference (MVC), whilst attending Automation UK 2024.
Next year Automation UK will take place between 7 and 8 May 2025 at the CBS Arena in Coventry, and will be fully integrated with MVC.
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/automation-uk/
