º£½ÇÊÓƵ business needs to embrace automation if it wants to remain competitive on the global stage, a global robotics expert is warning.
Dr Susanne Bieller, general secretary of the International Federation of Robotics, believes Britain needs a “more positive and realistic†attitude towards robots .
She said: “If you are active on a global scale and want to remain competitive, there is no alternative to automation for most businesses - the question rather is where to start and which processes to automate first.
“The issue we are facing here in Europe, and I think the º£½ÇÊÓƵ is not an exception, is the public perception of robotics and, related to that, a certain scepticism against the deployment of robots.
“There is a huge difference among the public opinion across Europe. It certainly has an impact how trade unions are supporting the automation process, and also how the media are influencing the debate.â€
Dr Bieller points out the debate around robotics does not exist in countries such as Japan and China , which automate processes to compensate for a lack of qualified labour.
She added: “I would love to see a more positive and realistic attitude toward robots. Neither fears nor exaggerated expectation do really help in the further expansion of robotics and automation.â€
Dr Bieller was speaking ahead of an open event taking place in Bristol tomorrow (November 20) on robotics.
Bot-Talks is being organised by Bristol robotics online platform Bot-Hive and will include talks from industry experts including Dr Beiller.
Bot-Hive chief executive Jacques Bonfrer added: “This is a superb opportunity to hear some of the leading lights in the robotics sector talk about the state of play as regards º£½ÇÊÓƵ industry and automation, where we currently are and what is coming up in the future.
"º£½ÇÊÓƵ industry has to automate in order to become competitive within the global market and SMEs need someone to look to for guidance and leadership in these difficult times. I hope that Bot-Talks will play a part in this process.â€
is taking place at The Watershed, on Bristol Harbourside, between 1.30pm and 8pm.
