ABB’s (www.new.abb.com) forthcoming Switch to Robots seminar will explain how on-going reductions in the cost and complexity of robotic automation are opening up new opportunities for UK SME manufacturing companies.

Taking place at ABB’s Milton Keynes site on Wednesday 13 June, this event will provide a simple step-by-step guide to introducing robot automation onto the factory floor, including: key issues around specifying, installing and operating a robot; how to assess which processes can be automated; and how to develop the right solution for your needs.

Other topics covered will include how to calculate the potential return on investment that can be achieved in different types of applications, and how to best present the case for investment.

There will also be a hands-on workshop session in ABB’s training centre, providing the opportunity to see and use some of the latest robot technology, including ABB’s RobotStudio off-line programming software, which has been designed to greatly reduce the time and cost of setting up a robot system by enabling robot cells to be modelled and tested off-line.

Mike Wilson, general industry sales manager for ABB Robotics in the UK and Ireland, said: “Misconceptions about the cost, flexibility and complexity of robots are stopping many small to medium-size UK manufacturing companies from realising their true potential.

“Our Switch to Robots event has been designed to help businesses identify whether a robot could be beneficial and to explain the steps they need to take in specifying and installing the best solution for their requirements.”

Places can be booked on the Web site (bit.ly/S2RJun18) or by telephone (01908 350300), mentioning the ‘Switch to robots’ seminar in June.