David Alatorre, Chief Technical Officer, Rivelin Robotics
This article aims to explore the challenges being faced by manufacturing organisations across industries. A societal and cultural shift away from manual, craftsmanship-based roles, coupled with the perception of health risks in manufacturing occupations has led to a significant skills shortage in the sector. Various other challenges include regulatory pressures, unstable supply chains, and unprecedented uncertainties — all of which are exacerbating the situation and threatening the competitiveness of manufacturing enterprises. However, this article posits that the solution to these escalating issues lies within the realm of digitalisation and automation technology.
Our analysis is rooted in the evolution of job market trends, and the opportunities presented by innovations such as Rivelin NetShape , a frontrunner in the digital revolution of manufacturing. By harnessing machine learning, advanced sensors, and proprietary algorithms, this technology transforms skilled manual tasks for post processing and finishing metal parts and components into repeatable, traceable digital procedures that significantly boost productivity and reduce costs.
The article will go on to present a future where the burdens of manual labour can be alleviated by robotics and AI, and show how a ‘local for local’ production model – the strategy of manufacturing goods in proximity to their intended customers to promote regional self-sufficiency – can become a reality thanks to digital manufacturing. Furthermore, we posit that these changes in the industry make roles like ‘Digital Manufacturing Engineer’ increasingly appealing to a new generation of computer-literate, technically-minded job-seekers. The objective of this communication is to assess the impending shift from manual craftsmanship to digital procedures, and from low-cost overseas production to local digital manufacturing; offering insights for industry stakeholders and business leaders navigating these changes.
DIGITAL MANUFACTURING AND THE LABOUR MARKET
Despite recent advancements in industrial safety standards and protocols, manufacturing occupations are still associated with a multitude of health risks such as exposure to harmful substances, repetitive strain injuries, hand-arm vibration syndrome, dust inhalation, hearing loss, vision deterioration, and risks related to machinery accidents, fire, and electrical hazards. It is hypothetically possible to eliminate these risks through comprehensive safety measures; but, even then, trends suggest that this alone will not prevent the looming skills shortage.
Over recent years, the allure of traditional skilled workforce sectors such as manufacturing has been diminishing. As pointed out by Muro et al. in their research at Brookings Institution, societal progression and technological development have catalysed an evolution in the job market, shifting the focus from manual, craftsmanship-based roles to those centred on digital skills and intellectual stimulation.
One of the key factors contributing to this shift is the rapid advancement of technology and digitalisation across various industries. The digital revolution has created new and exciting opportunities in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), data science, software development, robotics and automation. These professions are attractive as they involve working with cutting-edge, innovative technologies to solve complex problems, and push through new boundaries. Organisations of all sizes increasingly rely on digital technologies to enhance their operations, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.
Safety considerations are also a significant factor in career choices, along with physical exertion. As a result, traditional industries like manufacturing and construction are typically associated with being physically demanding and higher risk. For younger people entering the workforce, manufacturing jobs are less likely to attract them for the above reasons. This is supported by a survey conducted by Deloitte, which found that millennials and Gen Z workers prioritise purpose and meaning in their careers and avoid higher risk industries.
As a consequence, across the global workforce, but particularly in Western cultures, millions of physical and skilled positions remain unfilled, not necessarily due to salary constraints or flawed policies but because of a pronounced shift towards more fulfilling and safe professions.
RE-INDUSTRIALISATION OF WESTERN ECONOMIES
This skills shortage is only one among a growing list of factors escalating manufacturing costs. The manufacturing sector is grappling with a multitude of other challenges such as unstable supply chains shaken by global events, regulatory pressures tightening the requirements for quality and traceability, and unprecedented uncertainties. The combination of these factors leads to spiralling costs, threatening the competitiveness of manufacturing enterprises.
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