Install robots or die, food manufacturers told

In this exclusive video, Wilson explained to FoodManufacture.co.uk that Germany, France, Italy and even Belgium were installing robots at a faster rate than their UK competitors.

“We risk losing our manufacturing food industy,”​ he said, in the first installment our two-part video special on robots in the food and drink manufacturing sector.

Installation​

General manufacturing in the UK increased its rate of robotic installation by 68% last year – led by the automotive industry.

But in the food and drink sector, the introduction of robotics fell by 8%.

Part of the reason for the low uptake was a poor understanding of what the technology could deliver, he said. Topping the list of benefits were increased throughput and high hygiene.

Watch our video, filmed at the Foodex show at the NEC last month, to find out how your firm can benefit from government grants to install robots.  

Part two of our special, to be published next week, features a video debate about how robots can help food and drink manufacturers improve throughputs by improving the consistency of work and hygiene therapy.