Enginuity Future Skills Hub
Engineering and manufacturing is rapidly transforming, making it hard for employers to know what skills they need to keep pace with change. The Enginuity Future Skills Hub aims to demystify the skills, trends and transitions reshaping industries within the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector.
What are automation and robotics?
Automation involves the use of technology to perform tasks traditionally done by humans, while robotics refers to the design, construction, and operation of robots to automate processes and tasks in various industries.
Automation and robotics explained
How are automation and robotics used
Automation and robotics have key uses in manufacturing, quality control, material handling, additive manufacturing, collaborative tasks, and inventory management. Examples include:
- Performing manufacturing tasks like assembly, welding, painting, and material handling tasks like pick-and-place and loading/unloading
- Identifying defects and measuring dimensions
- Moving materials within facilities and assisting in packaging and palletising
- Layering materials in additive manufacturing processes
- Performing collaborative tasks alongside human workers, including inventory management and operation in environments with strict cleanliness requirements.
Benefits of automation and robotics
Automation and robotics and Industry 4.0
Automation and robotics and sustainability
What skills might you need?
Skills required for automation and robotics include expertise in robotics programming, mechatronics, and control systems engineering. Additionally, knowledge of industrial automation technologies, such as PLCs and SCADA systems, and proficiency in robotic simulation software is essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated manufacturing systems in engineering and manufacturing environments.
Other specific skills include:
- Programming and coding
- Robotics system integration
- Mechanical and electrical engineering
- Industrial automation
- Control systems engineering
- Robotics simulation
- Safety compliance
- Troubleshooting and maintenance
- Project management
- Data analysis and visualisation
- Quality control and assurance
- Cybersecurity awareness
- Cost analysis and budgeting
- Continuous improvement
What skills might you need?
Skills required for automation and robotics include expertise in robotics programming, mechatronics, and control systems engineering. Additionally, knowledge of industrial automation technologies, such as PLCs and SCADA systems, and proficiency in robotic simulation software is essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated manufacturing systems in engineering and manufacturing environments.
Other specific skills include:
- Programming and coding
- Robotics system integration
- Mechanical and electrical engineering
- Industrial automation
- Control systems engineering
- Robotics simulation
- Safety compliance
- Troubleshooting and maintenance
- Project management
- Data analysis and visualisation
- Quality control and assurance
- Cybersecurity awareness
- Cost analysis and budgeting
- Continuous improvement
Who might need them?
Different roles within an SME might require different levels of skills related to automation and robotics, including:
- Automation and robotics specialists
- Maintenance and operations personnel
- Manufacturing engineers
- IT and systems administrators
- Project managers
- Quality assurance and testing teams
- Business analysts
- End-users and operators
Useful resources
Manufacturing and Technology Centre
The MTC is focused on supporting UK industry to overcome the challenges of adopting automation. Using its breadth of knowledge and expertise, the MTC provides impartial advice and guidance...
Read moreWant to upskill?
Explore a range of training options offered by the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre.
Read moreUK Automation Forum
The UK Automation Forum brings together experts, end users, policymakers and suppliers from across the industry, to discuss challenges and topics relating to the adoption of automation technology...
Read moreAutomateUK
Automate UK is a unifying voice for members as the leading trade association for automation suppliers and end users of technology across processing, packaging, robotics and machine vision...
Read more