with sustainable

manufacturers can use to streamline their automation deployment, making it a win-win for both the environment and the business.

For instance, the constant evaluation of technology allows Universal Robots to apply renewable energy to their operations, with 715m2 of solar panels to be placed on the top of their building in Denmark for alternative sources of energy. Their collaborate robots (cobots) also support digitalisation through remote monitoring and access solutions, enable manufacturers to program their cobots remotely, providing a wealth of information on KPIs that can then be used to tweak the cobots’ performance, resulting in improved production efficiency and reduced electricity consumption.

Improving supply chain sustainability

Sustainability in manufacturing goes beyond the factory walls. Manufacturing firms may not have direct control over their entire supply chain, which can make it difficult to ensure that their products are sustainably sourced and produced.

However, firms have direct control in certain areas, such as how the manufacturing line operates. The adoption of cobots can help with improving the sustainability of the supply chain. Cobots not only helps with manufacturing as it allows manufacturers to compete with lowerwage countries offering better rates, keeping production closer to home. In turn, this minimises the distances involved in supply chains by reducing transportation costs, which is better for the environment.

Even though it is difficult, ensuring that the entire supply chain is sustainable, from raw material sourcing to distribution and disposal, is essential for improving sustainability in manufacturing.

Fostering a culture of sustainability

Creating a culture of sustainability within the organisation is essential for improving sustainability in manufacturing. Encouraging employees to adopt sustainable practices and providing training and education on sustainable manufacturing can help promote a sustainable culture within the organization.

Fostering a culture of sustainability is a collective effort by a business. This starts from the top down, and if businesses prioritise sustainability there will be a trickle-down effect throughout the organisation, which would lead to results.

As an example, Universal Robots promote alternative means of transportation and flexible work arrangements in their effort to combating climate change. Flexible work arrangements allow employees to travel during off-peak hours and to work from home, further supporting efforts to mitigate activities that contribute to climate change.

At facilities in Universal Robots headquarters in Denmark, charging stations and electrical outlets in bicycle sheds have been installed which enables employees to charge their electrical vehicles. Many employees in Denmark also participated in a campaign (We are driving GREEN by Odense Municipality) encouraging green transportation, such as carpooling, biking, public transport and electrical cars.

Conclusion

Investing in businesses for bottom lines is important, but investing in the planet has never been more crucial. Choosing the more sustainable options have always come with the connotation that it costs more. However, improvements in technology mean that this is no longer the case, with options that help the environment also helping businesses and their bottom lines. Compared to our predecessors years ago, we have the information, resources, and ability to make the changes needed to go green.

by Adam Sobieski, Regional President APAC, Universal Robots