Technology adoption hubs and the future of UK manufacturing

THE WEST midlands has long been at the heart of British industrial excellence. From the first Industrial Revolution to its dominance in automotive and digital innovation, the region has continually taken the lead in manufacturing. Like much of the UK, productivity remains the key weakness. By increasing the accessibility of robotics and autonomous systems, workforces can be supported, productivity can be optimised, and profitability can increase.

The new Industrial Strategy alongside the dedicated Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan provides the catalyst for change. For too long, small and medium-sized manufacturers have struggled to bridge the knowledge and capital gaps necessary to integrate robotics effectively. The initial investment of £40 million toward the creation of a new network of Robotics Adoption Hubs with the relevant expertise, equipment, and connections will harness existing UK resources to accelerate take-up of robotics on a nation-wide scale. This comes alongside clear intent to support SMEs through the extension of the Made Smarter programme.

It is important that industry is aligned on how this investment of £40 million is spent. The UK industrial sector does not need to spend money on new buildings, robotics adoption hubs should instead use existing facilities and online networks. The available funding can then be directed toward joining together existing resources, facilitating collaboration and developing training programmes in order to create a greater impact.

Why now? The urgency of adoption

The global race for manufacturing competitiveness is intensifying. Data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reveals that the UK currently ranks 23rd globally in the adoption of robotics and autonomous systems technologies. Without rapid action, the UK risks falling further behind countries such as Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Poland that together accounted for about 70% of all industrial robots installed within the EU in 2022.

The Industrial Strategy specifically identifies the West Midlands as a high-potential area for investment in advanced manufacturing. With strong automotive and digital sectors, established, research organisations such as The MTC, further education facilities, and a history of industrial success, the region is uniquely positioned to pilot and scale robotics-adoption hubs.

National policy has now set the intention and made clear its support for local initiatives to foster collaboration between academia and industry. The West Midlands RAS Cluster plans to leverage these national initiatives to support SMEs on their automation journeys. This can be supported by apprenticeship, funding and reskilling initiatives in both the private and public sectors.

The 2025 Industrial Strategy is ultimately aiming to ‘make the UK the best country to invest in anywhere in the world’. With competitors moving fast and adopting robotics and automation technologies to increase productivity and output the urgency is clear. UK industry must embrace a collaborative ecosystem led by adoption hubs in order to make automation more accessible.

Start your journey now and access expert advice on funding, training and business plans by visiting:

westmidlandsrascluster.org/

Mike Wilson is chief automation officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)