“Labour shortage has become one of the most pressing challenges for small and midsized enterprises (SME) in OECD countries,” the IFR said. “The manufacturing sector is hit especially hard by high job vacancy rates. Since robots are becoming easier to install, implement and operate, SMEs have greater access to automation. The new Go4Robotics online platform by IFR provides independent guidance for their automation journey.”
“The lack of skilled labour is a strong driver for automation in many countries,” said Dr Susanne Bieller, IFR´s General Secretary. “In fact, statistics from the EU say that three quarters of all companies across the EU have a problem attracting workers with the required skills.”
Robots make employers more attractive
Given a choice, many young people prefer to work in a company that uses future technology. If there is a robot operating on the shopfloor, the employer can advertise a job to prospective employees as work that involves controlling a robot. This is oftentimes a game-changer. Since the robot takes on the 4 “Ds” of dull, dirty, dangerous and difficult work, their use is even more attractive. Employees have more time to skill-up for more interesting jobs.
SMEs learn to use robots
According to the IFR, the new online platform raises awareness of the many advantages robotics provide. Small and mid-sized enterprises can find educational content and a checklist. Experts on the platform dispel myths about segments that are relatively new to automation, and managers can learn how to benefit from new trends like easy-to-program robots for non-experts.
