The shortage of skilled workers in the US manufacturing industry is worsening as more and more baby boomers retire. According to ABI Research, the number of installed industrial and commercial robots worldwide will increase to 16.3 million by 2030 to compensate for this loss. Michael Larner of ABI Research emphasizes that the aim is not to replace people with technology, but to complement their work.

The roles of robot programmers and developers of machine learning models will become more important. Technicians will have to work in a more data-driven way to avoid unplanned downtime and improve machine effectiveness. Companies such as Mitsubishi Electric and Siemens, as well as smaller providers such as Crosser and Tulip, will benefit from this. The loss of “tribal knowledge” due to the retirement of the baby boomers is a major concern. Manufacturers need to capture and share this knowledge. To make manufacturing a more attractive career, companies and technology providers should work together with educational institutions.