Robotics symbolise ‘the fourth industrial revolution’, according to German engineers quoted in a recent Newsweek article.

Automation might not be new, but the technology is now becoming more important in our industry, as housebuilding increasingly demands precision manufacturing of materials offsite. Rather than shying away from this revolution, we should embrace the way robotics are changing the way we work and the service we offer to our customers.

Robotics technology requires major investment of time and money, but the manufacturing industry has to innovate to avoid falling behind international competitors. Housebuilding is just emerging from a period of austerity into one of rapid growth, so skills are hard to find and automation, including robotics, is essential if manufacturers are to keep up with demand.

At National Hickman, we’ve invested in latest technology for precision manufacturing, providing doorkits, MDF architectural mouldings, engineered timber floors and pre-fabricated roofs to the housebuilding industry from our Wolverhampton plant. If you choose the right time and application, the benefits of robotics are multiple.

Better service to customers

Regardless of investment in training you will never eliminate human error. According to research, for every one million tasks a human performs, they make 500-1,000 mistakes. Many processes involve one man and one machine and to guarantee accuracy means several different humans along the line doing things in exactly the same way.

Using robotics means you can get much closer to guaranteeing 100% consistency, reliability and accuracy. This not only builds customer loyalty, by delivering a secure supply chain, but also puts you ahead of the competition in terms of quality.

Increased productivity

A one man, one machine model works when you are first running a business. But as demand grows it’s vital to examine the efficiency and scalability of your processes.

For a volume manufacturing application, such as door-kit production within my own organisation, robotics offer a huge opportunity to increase capacity.

Using robotics, door-frames can be pre-fitted, minimising dependence on skills levels and saving time. Technology also ensures a consistent finish, as doors and linings can be manufactured to precise tolerances.

Consider also that doorkits are the top choice for volume home builders. Robotics enable quality mass production, ensuring that demanding production targets are always met at a consistently high level of finish.

At National Hickman, we worked with a leading European solutions provider to create two bespoke manufacturing lines for machined door-frame kits. These incorporate seven robots, automating 95% of the process and enableding us to treble output capacity.

The uplift in productivity has also increased profitability and enabled us to move to 24-hour production.

A happier workforce

In March 2015, discussion forum Intelligence Squared hosted a debate in London entitled "Be afraid, be very afraid: The Robots are coming and they will destroy our livelihoods."

Change can make us uncomfortable and this view of automation is understandable. But those arguing against the motion pointed out: "While advances in technology always caused disruption, in the long run they led to the creation of more jobs."

Robotics are part of every day modern life and replace the mundane, repetitive and labour intensive tasks, leading to a better quality of working life. And they give staff the opportunity to learn new skills, including operating cutting-edge technology, supervising lines, programming and maintenance.

One compelling argument presented at the Intelligence Squared debate asserted that "the release from the daily drudgery of work will lead to new and more fulfilling means of employment".

Not only does this make for a more stimulating working environment but it is also a safer and cleaner one.

Improving the overall working environment is hugely motivating to employees and we all know that a happier workforce is a more productive one.

Using robotics within our door-kit division has transformed our view of automation and is hopefully the first step in revolutionising manufacturing processes across the National Hickman group. These investments are no longer just for large scale manufacturing in industries such as automotive or aerospace.

By embracing innovation our industry has a huge opportunity to improve the skills and job satisfaction of our workforces. We can also provide a safer working environment, while improving the quality, efficiency and capacity of our output.

This will ultimately increase our profitability and future-proof our organisation.