West Midlands’ RAS Cluster backs call on robotics adoption

Make UK, the leading voice for UK manufacturing and engineering, has released a joint study in partnership with the West Midlands Robotics and Autonomous Systems Cluster (RAS Cluster) commissioned by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) — The Case for Increased Robotics and Autonomous Systems Adoption within the West Midlands Production Industry.

Drawing on insights from over 100 manufacturers, the report outlines the potential for RAS technologies across the region’s industrial base and calls for urgent, coordinated action to scale up adoption. The study reveals enthusiasm for robotics and automation technologies based on stakeholder interviews and a detailed literature review. It identified an adoption rate of more than 80% in basic applications, but that more advanced systems can achieve higher productivity. These are being held back by a pressing need for financial, technical and policy support, especially for SMEs. In addition, lack of training provision and ready-to-hire RAS skills make staffing a challenge.

Professor Mike Wilson, chief automation officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, and founding member of the West Midlands RAS Cluster, said: “Make UK’s report calls for industry to support a coordinated cluster, where suppliers, integrators and users collaborate to share infrastructure, financial incentives and training. It underlines that we were right to establish the West Midlands RAS Cluster to provide a focus for collaboration, investment, and leadership.”

Breaking down barriers
Make UK’s COO Ben Fletcher said: “Robotics and autonomous systems have the potential to transform UK manufacturing, driving competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth. This report gives readers actionable insight as to how existing barriers can be broken down to make this possible.”

The study’s findings show a clear intent to invest, with 59% of firms planning to expand RAS use within three years — and only 6% with no plans at all. A further 35% are considering investment. It also demonstrates the perceived benefits: 45% of businesses cited productivity as the primary benefit of RAS, followed by quality and consistency.

Three key recommendations were: Financial aid — expanding RAS-specific grants and incentives to lower entry barriers and enable more firms to explore and implement RAS; Collaboration — academia, industry and government, both national and local, should work together through knowledge hubs, industry events and resource sharing to help SMEs access cutting-edge technology; and Targeted upskilling — developing targeted RAS upskilling programmes, apprenticeships, and professional development initiatives will address skills shortages.

The report found that the region has the capability to lead nationally on the RAS initiative, developing into an established adoption hub. This is particularly relevant given its geographic location, infrastructure advantages and access to skills. It has a strong industrial heritage, and is home to 12,700 manufacturing businesses, as well as academic institutions.

The full report can be downloaded here.