Manufacturing automation trends may negatively impact the job outlook for machinists, but positively impact the job outlook for other occupations.
Manufacturing Trends in Automation
The day is coming when software-defined manufacturing will turn shop floors into “smartphones with robotic arms” according to a report by McKinsey & Company. Throughout the history of manufacturing, innovations have been made to produce products more efficiently.
The move from manual machining to CNC (Computer Numerical Control) was made years ago and was a giant advance for manufacturing. Robotics and AI (Artificial or Augmented Intelligence) will allow for more advances for manufacturing.
Manufacturing reshoring trends and a shortage of skilled labor are driving the need for these automation improvements.
Related: Why it can be difficult for small manufacturing job shops to utilize robotics
Impact to Job Outlook for Machinists
The job outlook for machinists and tool & die makers will be impacted by these changes in automation. The outlook shows a 0% change in employment over the next 10 years. Many occupations show at least a 3% projected increase.
Impact to Job Outlook for Industrial Machinery Mechanics
The 10-year outlook for industrial machinery mechanics shows a 13% change in employment. This positive impact will be driven by the manufacturing automation trends. More robots will need to be maintained and repaired.
About C&C Machine
We are a CNC machine shop located in Oklahoma. We also still have the skill to do manual machining for extremely small projects and tooling. We are giving some serious thought to robotics for our higher-volume products.
This blog was researched and written by a human being.
