What are UK manufacturers views on automation?

By 2020, more than 1.7 million new industrial robots will be installed around the world, according to data published by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The increase could reportedly pave the way for ever more flexible automation.
Asia – led by China – currently shows the strongest robotics growth. Germany is currently the world’s fifth largest industrial robots market and by far the largest in Europe. You have to travel quite a way down the list before you stumble across the UK.
That’s quite surprising, as the latest Annual Manufacturing Report shows that 92% of manufacturers believe ‘Smart Factory’ technologies will enable them to increase their productivity levels per headcount.
Many of those companies who have invested in automation cite improved business efficiency, product quality and cycle times, alongside a better working environment for staff and increased health and safety as a result.