Skills shortage
How SMEs benefit from robotics and automation
The shortage of labor has become one of the biggest challenges for SMEs in OECD countries. The manufacturing sector is currently experiencing record levels of unfilled vacancies. In light of this development, SMEs are accelerating automation. The IFR has developed an online platform to support them.
Faced with a shortage of labor, companies are increasingly turning to robots, which are now easier to install and operate thanks to technological advances. With the new online platform Go4Robotics, the International Federation of Robotics offers SME decision-makers an independent source of information for their automation journey. "The shortage of qualified workers is a strong driver for automation in many countries today," says Dr. Susanne Bieller, Secretary General of the IFR. "As recent EU statistics show, three quarters of companies in Europe have a problem finding workers with the necessary skills."
Robots increase employer attractiveness
Many young people would choose to work for a company that uses future technologies. Programming robots on the shop floor is a new job qualification that makes an employer more attractive to potential employees - often a decisive factor when choosing a job. As robots often take over the four particularly stressful tasks of repetitive, dirty, dangerous and physically demanding work, their use is highly popular. Overall, employees have more time to devote to more interesting tasks.
SMEs learn how to work with robots
The IFR's new online platform Go4Robotics explains the many possible applications of robotics. Small and medium-sized companies can find step-by-step instructions and checklists. Experts dispel myths and address economic segments that are relatively new to automation. Managers learn how they can benefit from new trends, such as easy-to-program robots for non-experts.
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