Automation is entering all facets of the workforce. Over the next decade, we are going to see a large amount of robots installed. In many ways, this is a very good thing to have happen.
One things robotics can excel at is doing things that are dangerous for humans. Welding is not the safest of industries, thus, robotics is a great way to protect workers. There is also a shortage of qualified welders meaning the opportunity to make up for a shortfall exists.
This is all part of the term "Industry 4.0" (or sometimes called Industrial Revolution 4.0). Whatever it is called, the basic premise is that computers and robots are going to take over a great deal of our production. This is going to send productivity through the roof. A downside to this could be the continued losses in jobs.
In the United States, contrary to popular opinion, we are seeing an all time high in manufacturing. The media claims that it is dead yet there is over $2.4 trillion produced in the U.S. each year. The big issue is that, over the last 20 years, manufacturing is down 1.25 million jobs.
That said, robots are expected to grow even more in the coming years.
According to the International Federation of Robotics, global spending on industrial robots is expected to exceed $24 billion by 2025. This reflects the sharp growth trajectory of robotics over recent years. In fact, worldwide sales of industrial robots increased 296% between 2004 and 2018, jumping from 97,000 units sold in 2004 to 384,000 units sold 14 years later.
The expected jump in industrial robots should greatly impact productivity. All the benefits that robots provide are pretty obvious. They do not show up late for work, are never sick, can work for days on end, and do not care where you put them. A robotic factory can be placed anywhere ignorant of the quality of schools, home prices, or commuter traffic.
Robotic welding technology is leading the pack as one example of the growing incorporation of robotics across the industry and around the world. Valued at $5.4 billion in 2018, the global robotic welding market is expected to reach $10.7 billion by 2026.
The pace is being fueled by adoption in the automobile sector. This is leading the way for both robotic welders and 3D printers. Companies are looking to reduce costs in, what has become, a highly competitive environment.
In the future, we can expect to see these welding underwater, in high places, and even contaminated environments.
The next 15 years will see a boom in productivity that we never saw before. We can expect at least a 10x impact compared to the last Industry Revolution after World War 2.
A lot of money is going to be tossed around. It is just a question of what people are going to do to get a piece of the action.
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Posted via Steemleo
