Manufacturers in the UK are failing to compete because they do not invest in automation, according to new research.
The study, commissioned by the Engineering and Machinery Alliance (EAMA), found that firms are falling behind their European counterparts.
Commenting on the findings, the chairman of the EAMA Martin Walder said: "By comparing UK companies with similar businesses in Germany, Spain and Sweden this study highlights our weakness in automation.
"If UK manufacturing is to remain competitive we have to act now."
The authors of the report argue that firms could easily improve productivity, cut down on waste and reduce the chances of production failure.
Business minister Mark Prisk announced that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills will give the EAMA and its partner the British Automation and Robot Association £600,000 for a two-year programme to highlight the benefits of automation.
The EAMA report found that the manufacturing sector in the UK only has 15,100 robots.
In comparison, Germany has 144,800 fitted in its factories.
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