The Robotics and Automation Exhibition recently did a quick interview with Robbie Dawson, CKF’s Sales and Marketing Manager, ahead of our attendance at the exhibition. Take a look at the full interview below then find out more about the event, which after the latest Government announcement is now taking place 2nd & 3rd November 2021, Ricoh Arena Coventry, at www.roboticsandautomation.co.uk.

Can you please share a little bit about yourself with Robotics and Automation visitors?

CKF are an established UK Robotics and Automation systems integrator who have been operating for over 30 years. We have a wealth of experience transforming the operations of our customers in the manufacturing and logistics industries by increasing throughput, reducing costs, improving safety and maximising space. We specialise in installing palletising systems and have extensive experience designing and installing robotic, layer and gantry palletiser systems in our customers’ plants. We have successfully installed systems, and have vast experience, in a wide range of sectors including food & beverage, e-commerce, automotive and pharmaceutical.

Can you please tell us why you chose to exhibit at Robotics & Automation?

The exhibition has always been extremely successful for us. The end-user only policy means the visitor quality is excellent – at previous shows our Stand has always been very, very busy! There is no substitute for meeting customers face to face and chatting through their requirements, finding out more about their business and what they are looking to achieve.

The event is excellent for visitors with a wide variety of suppliers and a comprehensive free Conference which offers CPD hours.

What will you be sharing with visitors to the exhibition?

We will have a live demonstration on our stand of an ABB robot which will show the latest technology available to speed up, streamline and increase safety and adaptability.

We will also be sharing with visitors some video footage of our successful installations so they can see the breadth and extent of our team’s expertise and previous success!

Our technical team will be on hand both days of the event to chat to visitors and run through their unique requirements and discuss the possibilities and potential for their operations.

What do you feel are the biggest issues facing the industry at the moment?

This is a very challenging time for the industry, however the pandemic and upcoming Brexit have highlighted the UK’s need to be more self-sufficient and less reliant on overseas supply chains. This will mean an increase in demand for manufacturers and automation is the perfect way to handle this whilst reducing overheads, increasing safety and allowing more flexibility and resilience. Automation will be vital to the UK thriving in the challenges ahead.

The pandemic has also changed buyers’ behaviour with an increase in online purchasing – we have extensive experience working with our e-commerce customers and installing systems which offer massive increases in throughput with greater traceability and accuracy.