Page 4 - Automated Issue 11

ISSUE 11

Getting smart in the UK

The role of smart technology in UK manufacturing.

The second instalment of the Back to the More complex technologies are now being integrated
Future franchise predicted that the world into the factory, such as augmented reality (AR) tools
would look very different in 2015, with robot and autonomous robots. With these, UK factories will
dog walkers, smart watches and flying cars. So be able to optimise more processes.
why are we not living in the smart future that In addition to this technology, advances in artificial
the film predicted?
intelligence and machine learning will redefine the
role of robotics on the assembly line. Robots will be
It might not be as futuristic as Back to the Future, but able to adapt actions based on previously collected
smart technology is everywhere. Most of us own smart data instead of following programmed sequences.
phones, drones can deliver our parcels and some There is also the potential for robots to learn how to
robots even cook our food. Smart technology is also diagnose and repair themselves based on previously
beginning to change industry, helping manufacturers collected data, improving productivity and accuracy.
efficiently meet consumer demand. So, what is smart
technology?
Smart technology adapts its actions to its “Internet of Things (IoT)
environment, drawing conclusions from the real-time solutions increase
analytic data it collects. Over time, the technology will
learn from these conclusions to improve performance interconnectivity across the
by anticipating its actions.
supply chain and between
While factories have used smart technologies over the machines”
last few years, advances in programming and
monitoring has improved processes further. Humans
and robots now integrate at multiple points on the New technologies are also emerging to optimise
factory floor to efficiently produce and deliver production. Advances in 3D printing allows
high-quality goods to consumers. manufacturers to design a product using software and
immediately create it using a single material, with little
Automation waste. 3D printing gives manufacturers the
Many manufacturers aim to fully automate their opportunity to be more creative, with the freedom to
factories to optimise production and provide customise products for their customers.
cost-efficient yet high-quality goods to customers.
This technology is impacting a range of sectors, from
Manufacturers can use smart technology to track manufacturing to healthcare, suggesting that this
factory assets, consolidate processes in control rooms affordable production method will become ever more
and improve predictive maintenance using analytics. popular in the future.

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