The pandemic sped up automation in the workplace by a decade or two, experts say. First, keeping human workers apart and reducing contact among humans encouraged the use of robots. As contact-free interactions with consumers became more desirable and safety of workers occupied people’s minds, negative feelings about robots took a back seat to appreciation of their inability to spread viruses.
Now, with supply chain disruptions and labor shortages creating challenges for multiple industries, automation is increasingly being seen as a solution to labor problems:
- Across the nation, companies have trouble hiring enough workers.
- Supply and demand lead to higher wages, making automation’s higher up-front cost less of an obstacle.
- Rental and Automation as a Service options remaking robots more affordable, again especially compared with rising human wages.
Bloomberg says that one third of respondents in a recent survey say that they are turning to automation to cope with hiring challenges.
Taking jobs?
“The common perception is that automation will force people out of jobs, but the reality is we cannot find the workers to do these jobs,” says an op-ed in Forbes.
The article goes on to suggest that former warehouse workers forced by the pandemic to reevaluate their work may be the ones to develop new directions in automation as they hone their skills for jobs in the technology sector.
In the meantime, if you need service or support for your legacy Indramat motion control systems, we can help. We specialize in Indramat drive and control systems, Indramat servo motors, and all things Indramat.
The Indramat company was acquired by Rexroth, which is now Bosch Rexroth. While new Indramat units are no longer being made, Bosch Rexroth continues to support many of the legacy units with factory repair and reman. Call (479) 422-0390 for immediate assistance.