As European businesses race to embrace the adoption of robotics and automation technologies, they can encounter complex challenges that extend far beyond the technicalities of implementing technologies. A global business looking to automate must navigate a maze of regulations, languages, infrastructures, skill gaps, and cultural nuances—across a patchwork of multiple countries and regions.
Challenges in Automation Adoption
Research consistently highlights the scale of this problem. Automate UK’s 2024 survey revealed that 30% of UK SMEs view a lack of available knowledge as a key barrier to adopting automation.
This challenge is further compounded by data from Oxford Insights, reporting significant disparities in AI readiness across Europe, with gaps as wide as 20 index points between countries on their Government AI Readiness Index. Together, these findings underscore the critical need for greater education and support in driving automation and AI adoption across the region.
Adapting Automation Across Countries and Cultures
When it comes to deploying automation in the form of robots, a strategy and process that works seamlessly in one country may need to be reimagined in another due to differences in infrastructure, workplace layouts, or even cultural expectations around human-robot interaction.
This adaptability goes beyond physical modifications to robotic devices, encompassing software localization. It ensures that data storage complies with local regulations, while user interfaces and instructions remain accessible, intuitive, and culturally relevant across different languages and regions.
Overcoming Regulatory and Compliance Hurdles
Navigating the intricate landscape of international data protection laws and operational standards can be a daunting task, even within the standardized context of the European Union. The regulatory environment for robotics and AI is in a state of flux, with different countries and regions implementing their own frameworks at varying paces. Ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions requires agility to adapt to emerging legal requirements.
To overcome these obstacles and realize the full potential of multinational automation, businesses may benefit from giving thought to a few key areas:
Team integration: Preparing human teams for robotic integration is crucial and varies significantly across regions. Cultural attitudes towards automation, existing skill sets, and workplace norms all play a role. Companies must invest in comprehensive training programs that address the technical aspects of working alongside robots, including psychological implications.
This may involve overcoming language barriers, addressing fears about job displacement, and fostering a collaborative mindset between human workers and robotic systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing change management strategies to ease the transition and ensure buy-in from employees at all levels.
Expert partnership: Establishing relationships with trusted technology providers or integrators is vital for supporting deployment and ongoing operations of robotic systems. Partners with strong regional expertise can offer valuable insights into market conditions, regulatory requirements, and cultural nuances, which can be critical for successful implementation.
The right partner will also provide quick and effective technical and maintenance support, ensuring that robotic systems operate efficiently and with minimal downtime. By leveraging the right expertise, companies can significantly enhance their adaptability and responsiveness to local challenges.
Data intelligence: Modern robotic devices operate through a powerful combination of intuitive software and high performance sensors. This technology enables them to capture vast amounts of valuable location and performance data, which companies can leverage to optimize their operations.
When properly harnessed, the data insights collected from a global fleet of robots can drive significant cost efficiencies across international operations. These advancements boost productivity and efficiency while also improving the overall worker experience.
Technical requirements: Businesses often overlook key factors when scaling a robot fleet, or only address them when it’s too late. For example, will your robots require physical docking stations? This seemingly simple need can lead to unexpected costs, space constraints, and the installation of complex new electrical and plumbing infrastructure in existing facilities.
Successful Global Robot Deployment
Deploying robots globally comes with its own set of challenges, but for companies like CNH Industrial, the rewards have been well worth it as highlighted in their case study with Tennant Company. By introducing robotic floor scrubbers across their facilities, they tackled cultural, financial, infrastructural, and security considerations head-on.
The result? A more efficient, safer, and future-ready operation with better visibility into cleaning and overall performance.
Looking ahead, being able to deploy and manage automated technologies across borders will be a critical competency for global businesses. With thoughtful planning and the right strategy, organizations can maximize the benefits of robotics and automation on a global level.
Author Bio
Michel Spruijt is President of Brain Corp International. Michel joined Brain Corp in 2019 as VP and General Manager for Europe. Michel is responsible for all partner support, team expansion, and the oversight of general operations globally.
