Martin Walder, VP Industry at Schneider Electric, has commented on recent figures released by the ONS which highlights a 0.5% drop in manufacturing output for Q2 of 2017. He said: “It’s disappointing to see the drop-in manufacturing output at a time when exports are aided by the weak pound. UK manufacturing needs to be thriving, not declining.
“This further highlights the need for the UK to accelerate investment in science, research and innovation as a first step to cultivate a world-leading sector. Then, to reap the full benefits, we must develop the skills required to compete in a modern economy. This means encouraging the STEM subjects, offering more support for apprenticeship schemes and education for SMEs on the use of autonomous systems.
“By prioritising the use of robotics and AI, we can take advantage of smart manufacturing and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to combat this stagnation and fuel the overall progress of UK industry.”
