Significance of automation for the future of manufacturing

There’s no doubt that we’re moving toward a more automated world. The interpretation of what that means for our future doesn’t have to be a cynical one. Automation is already happening in some cases, especially in the manufacturing world, where human and machine have always worked side by side. However, many feel uneasy about an automated future because they’re viewing it in the context of today’s workplace. There are serious questions, but they’re also one-sided.  Understanding the framework, the situations, and the story rests on human intelligence.

In an interview with INTERNATIONAL METALWORKING NEWS FOR ASIA (IMNA), Jeff Burnstein, president of Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating, explained all there is to know about automation technologies and robots.

IMNA: The rise of robots and the threat that might pose to jobs has been a debatable topic of conversation in the manufacturing supply chain in emerging countries in Asia. But what is the reality behind all the hype?

Burnstein: The reality is that automation will help save and create jobs throughout the world. The conclusion of the McKinsey researchers is that even if a job can be automated, it doesn’t mean it will. And they point out that even when an occupation is partly automated, the number of human workers for that job can actually increase because overall demand for it has continued to grow.

At A3, we see this occurring consistently, especially in the fast-growing segment of collaborative robotics, in which humans and robots work safely side-by-side, with robots handling heavy-lifting and dangerous or repetitive processes while the human worker manages higher-value, decision-based processes.

In fact, the trend we’ve seen for the past two decades, as described in our white paper “Robots Fuel the Next Wave of U.S. Productivity and Job Growth,” shows US manufacturing-related employment growing since 1996—during the same period that robotics shipments increased; that includes the period since 2010 in which robotics shipments broke records every year.

The real threat to jobs is the inability to compete.  Automation, helps companies improve product quality, productivity, flexibility, and time to market, which allows them to become stronger, global competitors and, in fact, often results in better jobs.

IMNA: Will Robot Process Automation (RPA) impact various roles in the manufacturing supply chain?

Burnstein: While we are not in an authoritative position to discuss RPA, we can talk about robotics in general. Robotics is impacting manufacturing, distribution & logistics, tier suppliers, and more. Companies are looking for ways to meet customer demands faster, and robotics is a key enabler. One good example are collaborative robots, which are bringing dramatic improvements to manufacturing and logistics applications, as well as domestic services, healthcare, and retail. They can be used for assembly, loading/unloading, packaging, palletizing, sorting, dispensing, machine tending, quality inspection, sanding, and polishing in applications that include high-mix/low-volume manufacturing, remote security and monitoring, surgery, consumer electronics, injection-molding and machine tending.

IMNA: Reports say that by the year 2025, automation software will replace 140 million full-time employees across the globe, are we in the brink of a jobless future?

Burnstein: We fundamentally disagree with this conclusion.  In fact, we see automation as a major enabler of job growth in the future. However, it’s important to recognise that there will be new skills required for the jobs of the future, which means more investments in education, training and retraining will be required and imperative.

IMNA: In emerging countries in Asia, job shop owners and manufacturers conjure visions of massive machinery projects, huge capital expenses, and radical business process overhauls when they hear the word automation. Can automation start on a much smaller scale?

Burnstein: Yes, automation projects can be done at a much smaller scale and in fact this is often the case. The advance of collaborative robots, for instance, allows companies to invest in automation that can be easily programmed and up and running in a short time.  Collaborative robots typically pay for themselves in less than a year because of the low cost of entry, easy programming and flexibility. But even traditional industrial robots are seeing a dramatic shift in ROI, in one to two years, with smaller robot cells, easier programming, and plug-and-play integration.

IMNA: How can automation improve return of investment?

Burnstein: Automation can improve return of investment in both the short and long term.  Companies that invest in automation see their investment pay off quickly in increases in productivity, product quality and time to market.  Plus, by off-loading labour -intensive tasks it frees up resources to innovate, which can have a bigger, longer- term impact.

The increases in productivity, product quality, and time to market are key reasons that investments in automation can pay off quickly.  There’s a reason that China, Korea and Japan as well as other Asian countries are rapidly investing in robotics – these investments pay off!

IMNA: Lastly, what can you advise our readers in Asia who are thinking of implementing automation in their shop floors but are hesitant?

Burnstein: First, automation is much more affordable to purchase and easier to implement than ever before. Second, there are many excellent case studies of metalworking shops who have made the investment and found it to be profitable. And, finally, the Association for Advancing Automation is a great resource for learning more.  In addition to our website, which is filled with great stories and expert contacts, our biennial Automate 2017, is taking place in Chicago, IL from April 3 to 6, which is the broadest automation solutions event in North America, affording the best overview of the entire industry.

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The Automate 2017 Conference will explore the future of automation with over 60 sessions on topics including machine vision, robotics, supply chain automation, motion control, automation strategy, IIoT, safety, workforce development, machine learning, image processing and automation case studies. The conference is fully integrated with the International Symposium on Robotics-Americas (ISR), a prestigious event that brings together thought leaders from around the globe to discuss the latest applications and research in the field of robotics and other automation technologies.

The conference also offers coursework and exams required for the AIA’s Certified Vision Professional (CVP) basic and advanced certifications, and the Motion Control & Motor Association’s (MCMA) Certified Motion Control Professional training.