Automation is coming for jobs in manufacturing. Robots are cheaper than humans, faster, more precise. They don't get tired or bored or distracted. In 2019, a report from McKinsey found that almost half of all manufacturing tasks could be automated with existing technology.
But will automation actually lead to mass unemployment? That's what some folks are worried about. They point to the history of labor and automation—the Luddites, for example, who smashed looms in the early 19th century because they feared they'd be replaced by machines. Or they look at today: In Germany, where manufacturing is a big deal, unemployment has been steadily declining for years despite widespread adoption of automation.
Others argue that yes, automation will lead to job loss—but it will also create new jobs in other industries. They point to the rise of industries like software development and AI research as examples of how technology can create new opportunities for workers even as it eliminates old ones. They say we need to invest in education and training so that people can learn new skills and adapt to the changing job market.
So who's right? It depends on whom you ask. But what should be clear is this: The future of manufacturing isn't some abstract concept. It's happening now, all around us. And whether we like it or not, we have to decide how we want to live in that future.
The future of manufacturing is uncertain, but it's clear that automation will play a major role. Whether this leads to mass unemployment or new opportunities depends on how we choose to respond to the challenges posed by technology.
Will robots replace humans in manufacturing jobs?Yes, robots are replacing humans in manufacturing jobs. They are cheaper than humans, faster, more precise. In 2019, a report from McKinsey found that almost half of all manufacturing tasks could be automated with existing technology.
What can we do to prepare for the future of manufacturing?*To prepare for the future of manufacturing, we need to invest in education and training so that people can learn new skills and adapt to the changing job market. We also need to recognize that automation will create new opportunities as well as eliminate old ones, and that we must embrace these changes if we want to thrive in the future.
Optimist: Jordan Osei
I'm an optimist when it comes to manufacturing's future.
Yes, automation will lead to job loss—but it will also create new jobs in other industries. We need to invest in education and training so that people can learn new skills and adapt to the changing job market.
Automation is a double-edged sword. It can destroy jobs, but it can also create them. The key is to recognize this duality and respond accordingly.
We need to embrace automation, not fear it. We need to invest in education and training so that people can learn new skills and adapt to the changing job market. And we need to recognize that automation will create new opportunities as well as eliminate old ones, and that we must embrace these changes if we want to thrive in the future.