Bergur Thormundsson
Research expert covering technology in the Nordics, AI and smart cities
Industrial automation worldwide - statistics & facts
Automation is not a new phenomenon, having its roots in ancient Greece. However, the incredible changes to the automation capacity of industries in the 21st century come about through access to technologies like never before, allowing us to automate different tasks in an increasing number of industries and fundamentally change them. Reflecting the disruptive nature of industrial automation, this ongoing process has also been described as the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0).
Breaking down industrial automation
Industrial automation comprises a range of technologies that complement each other. On the one hand, there are technologies that allow the design and manufacturing of a product with the help of a computer and machines that take part in the manufacturing, assembling, and packaging of the product. These are more widely called industrial robots. On the other hand, there needs to be an infrastructure alongside solutions enabling all these devices to connect to and communicate with each other (also called the Industrial Internet of Things). Once the devices are connected, they can be monitored and controlled as a system, and the data the devices retrieve can be collected and analyzed at the edge of the network or in the cloud, allowing for improving the efficiency of production and maintenance.Robots as an option to automate physical tasks
In an automated manufacturing facility, it is machines that carry out tasks formerly performed by human workers. The machines can be simple, such as computer numerical control (CNC) machines or palletizers designed to do a specific task, or more complicated, such as robots that can be programmed to carry out different tasks. The tasks that robots do tend to be dull, dirty, dangerous, or difficult (collectively called the 4 Ds of robotization) and thus better suited for machines. However, not all workers appreciate the rising number of robots in workplaces. Understandably, they fear being replaced by robots. While it is true that some low-skilled workers will lose their jobs to robots, the introduction of robots can lead to the creation of new jobs. Although robots’ capabilities are increasing, they still cannot do everything humans can. The way forward might thus be combining robots’ and humans’ strengths and creating workspaces where they can collaborate.Automation will continue
The rapid development of industrial automation through AI and increased robotic capacities is unlikely to slow down. Generative AI is likely to improve the ability of robots to work alongside humans, further speeding up processes and reducing labor demands. This combination of robots and AI should also see a significant drop in worker related slowdowns and accidents, a boon for any industry.
