Britain | Machines

Where are all the British robots?

Firms’ small size is the biggest barrier to automation

Tomato slicing machine in a Greencore factory.
Cutting edgePhotograph: Greencore

Sarnies and precision engineering may seem to be worlds apart. But Greencore, Britain’s largest sandwich-maker, spends £20m ($25m) on industrial robots annually. They peel, slice and stone avocados. They cut wraps and baguettes in half using ultrasonic knives. They place slices of bread above fillings. They also help make sushi.

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This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Where are all the robots?”

From the April 20th 2024 edition

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