With projected labor shortages of 2.1 million by 2030 and the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence), Industrial Robotics is expected to increase by nearly 14 percent by the end of 2023. But the replacement of manual labor with advanced technologies creates its own demand for workers, including programmers, engineers, and mechanics, as well as traditional line workers.
Historically, automation has been thought to eliminate jobs, and indeed, has slowly phased out an estimated 1.7 million manufacturing jobs. But studies also predict that AI will create 97 million new jobs by 2025.
Who will fill these jobs? One large market of potential workers: young people who have grown up playing and programming games and watching online videos. Students are encouraged to pursue their likes and follow their ambitions; many students have honed skills that complement or match the new demands of manufacturing by “playing.” Those acquired skills could lead to fulfilling careers. If presented in the right light, even as early as middle school when kids are beginning to consider “what I want to be when I grow up,” appealing to their love of gaming could produce more workers to fill the new-era manufacturing labor gaps.
Promoters of AI argue that it will augment workers’ productivity not replace them. They propose that it is not good at work that requires precise hand-eye coordination, complex strategic planning, or dealing with unknown and unstructured spaces. It is, however, credited with improving goods and services by streamlining tasks. So as opposed to being replaced, workers will need to adapt through training to collaborate with AI for greater productivity.
People are needed to use and improve technology. Automation brings a need for training and analytics. Workers will need skills such as basic mathematics, strong verbal and written communication, creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and problem solving. The reimaged jobs will range from highly technical to basic. In manufacturing, the implementation of AI ranges from predictive maintenance and back-office robotic process automation to inventory and supply chain management. AI can be used to detect errors and speed the production process, but it doesn’t replace the need for humans.
If the future of manufacturing is more electronic and computer based, today’s younger generations are preparing themselves to be perfectly suited to fill those jobs and eliminate those labor gaps.
To discuss options for addressing your labor needs, contact a member of HBK Manufacturing Solutions at manufacturing@hbkcpa.com or 330-758-8613.
Speak to one of our professionals about your organizational needs
"*" indicates required fields