It is quintessentially undeniable that the manufacturing landscape has been forever changed thanks to the widespread implementation of robotics technology. The addition of robots to an assembly line, however, is just the beginning. The real opportunity lies in the development of an autonomous workforce that can work alongside of, and in collaboration with, humans.
The terms Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation are often used interchangeably. They’re both, afterall, associated with software or physical machines (that is, robots) that allow us to operate more efficiently within the workplace.
Increasingly, companies and manufacturers are turning to automation and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to reduce IT staff time, bolster efficiency and create an environment conducive to the successful implementation of digital transformations.
The idea of servitization is nothing new. Many manufacturers have always offered extended warranties, future inspections and extensive service contracts.
Automation technicians are the human brains behind the machines. They are responsible for keeping automated machines running smoothly and efficiently, and deal with any problems should they arise either in the programming or in the machine itself.
Smart factories and increased automation are providing manufacturers with a modern solution so that they can drive their innovations faster, whether to reduce waste, lower energy use and/or address worker shortages. The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, is all about automated systems that can connect to each other and exchange data to accomplish such needs and goals. Here’s how and why early adapters are already seeing the benefits of this new world order in manufacturing.
In the past few decades, automation has rapidly disrupted and changed industries by redefining responsibilities of existing jobs, and introduced new fields and roles. For example, consider the evolution of Amazon’s warehouses—self-organizing robotic shelves now work with workers to fulfil a high volume of orders quickly and efficiently for rapid delivery, which would not have been possible decades ago!
