Expert commentary on UK manufacturers falling behind in adopting automation, robotics & AI

Robots won’t save UK manufacturing, people will. The Make UK report proves a harsh reality – as global competitors push ahead with automation and AI, Britain is falling behind.

Not because we lack the technology but because we don’t have the skills base nor enough people who know how to use AI. It’s a critical gap.

We need a national skills blitz. We must flood the pipeline with robotics-savvy engineers, retrain workforces to work alongside AI and ensure SMEs get practical support to adopt new technologies.

That means school-to-work bootcamps, advanced manufacturing apprenticeships and making AI and automation a core part of the curriculum.

Without this, our global standing will keep sliding. With it, we power a high-skill, future-proof manufacturing sector, and put the UK back on top.