Smart robotics can transform Middle Easts $17bln supply chain

This pandemic period has made it apparent that being reliant on a few countries for production means that when the supply chains break down, countries face a shortage of supply. By reshoring and localizing production, these challenges can be limited in the event of any future crises.

Reshoring and the further development of local manufacturing is aligned with Middle East transformation agendas, as it would see manufacturing driving diversified economic growth and enabling job creation. This is particularly true for the Kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030, the UAE’s Vision 2021 and Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and Egypt’s Vision 2030.

With the Middle East’s smart factory automation market set to reach a record-high of $17 billion in 2020, according to Modor Intelligence, now is the time for the region’s manufacturers to adopt advanced robotics to drive innovation and support business continuity.

Automated robotics are set to play a major role in supporting reshoring and local manufacturing. As automated robotics have become more accessible and affordable, they are now ideal for small companies, manufacturers, and the agricultural industry.

In factories, robots could enable enhanced production of medicines and personal protective equipment and in agricultural production, robots could help to plant, monitor and harvest crops safer, faster and more efficiently. Some industry experts expect robots to take on dangerous or routine tasks, working alongside people to increase production, free up valuable employee time, and allow for more business opportunities.

Robotics allows for the creation of new domestic jobs through reshoring, as businesses bring their production and distribution home. A new channel of jobs and opportunities in programming, engineering, AI and technology-based careers could also be created as robot fleets need to be programmed and managed.

As a trusted partner in automation, Epson brings more than 35 years of experience as one of the world’s leading robotics companies and offers more than 40 robots in the Middle East that provide ease of use, reliability, performance, and overall value.

Further supporting manufacturing innovation and young talent development, Epson has hosted robotics competitions for educational institutions across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Russia.

• The writer is vice president, CISMEA and professional displays, at Epson.