The Impact of Automation and AI on Light Industrial

Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are rapidly impacting almost every industry. While these booming new technologies may feel intrusive or displace jobs, AI also brings much good to the workforce.

In the light industrial realm, automation uses machines, robotics, and AI-driven systems to simplify repetitive, laborious, or potentially dangerous jobs. Industrial automation is burgeoning quickly: the market reached $191 billion in 2021 and should hit $395 billion by 2029.

However, automation in manufacturing is not necessarily new. Humankind has always tried to make work easier. Though ubiquitous today, rudimentary machines like the wheel, the lever, the pulley system, and the wedge were once new inventions. The Industrial Revolution birthed modern manufacturing, ushering in inventions like the cotton gin, the spinning jenny, the power loom, the steam engine, the motor, the electric light, and the sewing machine. All these inventions changed how people worked and lived, transforming rural America into an industrial society. Current automation tools are all part of the next wave of streamlining how we work.

Today, in light industrial, various 'types' of automation exist –

• Fixed automation (or hard automation) — Machinery is programmed to a fixed process and performs the same task repeatedly. It's used for large-scale, generic production, such as in an automated assembly line.
• Programmable Automation—Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are a prime example of programmable automation. This type of coded automation enables precision, batch work, and flexibility. It allows for changes within batches in low—to medium-production volumes.
• Flexible automation (or soft automation) takes programmable automation to the next level. Rather than complex reprogramming between batches or projects, flexible automation allows for minimal human effort. Simply "switching" tasks allows greater customization and on-demand production.
• Process automation — Data and communication-driven process automation helps businesses centralize data and eliminate human input. Automated messaging, email marketing, payroll processing, online bill payments, inventory management, and expense approval all rely on automated processes.
• Integrated automation coalesces various automation types into a single command system.
• Robotic process automation (RPA) — Robots programmed with software technology can complete human tasks like shelving, gathering data, processing transactions, and communicating with customers.

Some key areas where light industrial incorporates automation, robotics, and AI include

• Assembly lines
• Packaging and sorting
• Quality control
• Predictive maintenance
• Material Handling
• Inventory management     

Benefits of Automation In Light Industrial

1. Increased Productivity and Efficiency

Automation and AI technologies can work around the clock, increasing production and improving efficiency—especially in repetitive tasks. They speed up time-to-market, providing a competitive edge and helping meet customer demand.

2. Enhanced Accuracy and Consistency

Automation and AI systems perform consistently. Their precision allows some AI-driven systems to identify defects at microscopic levels. By minimizing human error, automation reduces waste and improves product quality.

3. Cost Savings

In the long run, automation is cost-effective. It reduces the cost of paying human workers and improves accuracy and consistency while reducing operational expenses caused by error and downtime. AI-powered predictive maintenance can identify machine and product issues before problems occur, sparing manufacturers at the expense of costly breakdowns.

4. Improved Safety

Automation, particularly RPA, improves workplace safety by taking over hazardous, repetitive, or physically demanding tasks, reducing accident-related costs.

5. Data-Driven Insights

AI-driven systems harvest critical data throughout production, identifying inefficiencies and potential improvements. This data empowers human decision-makers with the information they need to optimize workflow and lead their organization upward.

6. Improved Customer Satisfaction

Improved time-to-market, accuracy, and consistency all lead to greater customer satisfaction, which, in turn, promotes increased company growth.

7. New Job Opportunities

Undoubtedly, job displacement will occur as automation and AI systems take deeper root in manufacturing and light industries. However, technology has also created new opportunities.

• Robotics Technician
• AI Systems Analyst
• Automation Engineer
• Data Scientist
• AU/Automation Integration Specialist
• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Collaborative Robot (Cobot) Engineer
• Smart Factory Manager
• Internet of Things (IoT) Specialist

At Career Concepts, we help employers find the talent they need. Candidates are vetted and trained and are ready to go! For over fifty years, we've provided quality, excellence, and authenticity to our clients and candidates. "The Right People. The Right Job." Connect with us today, and let's get started!