Institution's response to BEIS's report on Automation and the Future of Work

In response to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee’s report on Automation and the Future of Work, Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Engineering at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers said:

“We welcome and support the recommendations of this report. Automation is a critical part of our engineering future and as engineers we are very aware of the lack of understanding about the role it can play in improving work environments.

The use of AI and robots are tools that support the effective delivery of automation into our workplaces across all sectors but it is crucial that people understand how automation can help support and improve current jobs rather than necessarily replacing their jobs.

The recommendation to deliver a new strategy must be approached with product development in mind. It must be rooted in the needs of society and explore how autonomous or assisting systems can meet these needs.

By framing progressive automation this way and actively using our institutions like research catapults and implementing Made Smarter, we can advance our manufacturing, healthcare and energy systems for the benefit of society.” 

Notes to Editors

• If you would like more information, please contact the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Press Office on 020 7304 6877 or at media@imeche.org
• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was established in 1847 and has some of the world’s greatest engineers in its history books. It is one of the fastest growing professional engineering institutions. Headquartered in London, we have operations around the world and over 120,000 members in more than 140 countries working at the heart of the most important and dynamic industries such as the automotive, rail, aerospace, medical, power and construction industries.