Digital transformation and Industry 5.0 seem to be the terms of 2021 – but what manufacturing technology insights make these long-lasting business models rather than buzz words? For one, driving digital transformation is a key priority for many companies. This trend of integrating technology is helping to improve production.
Aside from these digital strategies, there are many other manufacturing technology insights and trends taking over in Texas. A main one is combining advancements within the industry and how technology fits into a human-centric workplace—think cobots and IoT.
These are the trends dominating the conversation in Texas.
Digital Transformation
Digital transformation doesn’t just include IoT and paperless data. Rather, it is the process of adding digital technology into all areas of business. That includes internal business units as well as external ones—think supply chain.
This term may seem vague, but its overarching purpose is to get people thinking about technology solutions to incorporate into business processes. This might include automation, machine learning, smart sensors, and more.
To properly integrate technology into every aspect of your business it is essential to rethink how your company uses technology. Leaders should experiment with your organizations ability to evolve to help meet business goals. Successful digital transformation journeys require companies to think outside the box.
So, how can your business integrate technology to improve products and services? Some examples of less popular ways to incorporate technology into your workplace include chatbots, blockchains, and also simplifying the systems already in place.
Cobots
Manufacturing technology insights focuses on growing trends such as collaborative robots. These robots, also known as cobots, are designed to collaborate with human workers. There are many perks to adding cobots to your workforce.
Cobots are smaller than traditional industrial robots making them easier to place on the assembly floor. Cobots have a wide range of safety features which also creates a seamless human/robot workflow. This means there's no need for a safety fence-which saves space.
These collaborative robots also handle repetitive tasks and heavy lifting. By giving these less than desirable assignments to cobots you improve efficiency and quality in the workplace. Meanwhile, human workers can focus on more value-added tasks. Cobots help reduce strain on employees and ensure the quality is always consistent.
Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing/3D printing is growing quickly. New uses for 3D printing are popping up almost daily. And multiple industrial segments have successfully been adopting additive manufacturing. Two of these segments that are prevalent in Texas include the automotive and aerospace industries.
Durable tooling through the use of 3D printers has made for quicker and cheaper molds. 3D printed metamaterials could lead to lighter and safer cars. Similarly, lightweight 3D printed parts for aircraft engines could lower aircraft emissions. These examples show how often new materials are changing the way manufacturing is done.
Skills Gap and IoT
With technology consistently trending, professionals are expecting IoT to drive market growth in upcoming years. Careers in this field are becoming extremely sought after. With manufacturing technology insights in mind, statewide efforts are being made to upskill the younger generations and bridge this gap.
Recently the state allocated millions of dollars to job training to ensure the upcoming workforce is skilled within cloud based solutions and newer technology. Schools and trade programs are focusing on new types of manufacturing and training. Data engineers, cloud computing, and network architects are all in demand. Upskilling the workforce will greatly help the future of the industry.
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