FANUC’S annual automation showcase set to address manufacturing challenges

Shining a spotlight on the key challenges facing UK manufacturers and the ways in which automation can address them, FANUC UK’s annual Open House returns this autumn. Taking place at the company’s UK headquarters in Ansty Park, Coventry on 12-14 November 2024, the event will bring together speakers from global giants such as Airbus, Amazon and Cummins with automation influencers from Make UK, Automate UK and FANUC Europe. In addition to 30+ exhibitors, live robot demonstrations and the live final of the WorldSkills UK Industrial Robotics competitions, visitors can enjoy presentations, panel debates and discussions from over 20 automation experts on such hot topics as the current state of UK manufacturing, how to attract young people into manufacturing, and the adoption of robotics into SMEs.

Hands-on robot experiences

FANUC’s Open House has now firmly cemented itself as an unmissable highlight of the automation calendar, attracting a mix of over 600 manufacturers, robotics experts, academics, students, MPs and press. Each morning is focused on speaker presentations and panel debates, while the afternoon sessions are devoted to hands-on robotics experiences. Visitors are encouraged to take part in FANUC Academy taster sessions, enjoy live demonstrations of the latest automation innovations, network with peers, seek solutions from FANUC’s exhibitor partners, and support the talented young people competing in the WorldSkills UK finals.

In-depth presentations: Airbus’ automation journey

Reflecting the key challenges facing today’s manufacturers, each day has a distinct theme:

• Day 1 (Tues 12 Nov): Enabling Step Change for Automation Adoption 

Following the opening address by Managing Director Tom Bouchier, Marco Chacin of Airbus will take to the floor with FANUC’s Oliver Selby to discuss the aerospace company’s automation journey in conjunction with FANUC. 

Further sessions will focus on ‘Successes and Challenges of Global Automation’, ‘The Current State of UK Manufacturing and the Future for the Sector’, plus a panel debate focusing on an SME stakeholder’s perspective, featuring speakers from Cummins and Hennik Research.

• Day 2 (Weds 13 Nov): Education for Automation Adoption

Highlighting the importance of inspiring and supporting the next generation of manufacturers, Day 2 will feature presentations from current Amazon apprentices, Rosa Wells of University College Birmingham, and the 2023 winners of the WorldSkills UK Industrial Robotics competition. 

A panel debate with insight from automation influencer Mike Wilson and other UK Automation Forum members will also discuss what needs to be done to attract more young people into manufacturing. 

• Day 3 (Thurs 14 Nov): UK Automation 2030

The final day of Open House 2024 will begin with an address from FANUC’s European President, Marco Ghirardello. Chris Corkan of Make UK will then consider the ‘State of the Nation: UK Manufacturing’, before Automate UK’s Peter Williamson discusses ‘Changing Culture and Policy to Drive Greater Robot Adoption in the UK’.

The event’s seminar programme will close with a panel debate by the West Midlands Robotics Cluster – featuring Mike Wilson, Tom Bouchier and Rachael Eade MBE – into ways to increase the adoption of robotics into SMEs.

Inspirational young talent

“After the success of last year’s event, which attracted a record number of visitors, I am even more excited to open our doors this November and show the manufacturing community just what automation can do for their business,” says FANUC’s UK Managing Director, Tom Bouchier. 

“From alleviating labour challenges and increasing productivity to improving sustainability credentials, there are so many ways in which automation can empower British manufacturers to futureproof their enterprises and ensure that as a nation, we can continue to compete on the world stage. Encouraging young people into the industry is essential to this vision, and the array of burgeoning manufacturing talent on display at Open House will be an inspiration to many. I look forward to welcoming visitors to our Coventry HQ this November.”

To register your interest in attending the FANUC UK Annual Open House (12-14 November 2024, Ansty Park, Coventry), go to https://ukopenhouse.fanuc.eu