May 2025 Volume 7

AUTOMATION

Automation, robotics, and AI are getting a bad rap for destroying American jobs. But, as one article by Inc. reports, while the fear is real, the reality is this: If done correctly, automation can empower the American worker to make U.S. businesses more competitive on the global stage. The World Economic Forum estimates that by this year, automation and AI technologies will create 12 million more jobs than they replace. It’s a strong signal that, over time, advancing automation across industries isn’t just sustainable; it’s a net gain for the workforce and the economy. 10 So, while the fear is understandable, the real risk isn’t automation; it’s inertia. Because here’s the hard truth: labor, as we once knew it, isn’t coming back. And waiting for it to magically return isn’t a strategy. It’s a liability. Adopting automation doesn’t mean replacing people. It means making sure your production doesn’t grind to a halt when no one shows up to run the line. It means building a system that works. Every shift, every day, without compromise. The future of manufacturing belongs to the builders. The ones who stop waiting and start evolving. So, if you're serious about staying competitive, choose a partner that specializes in automation. One that understands your process, engineers to your reality, and delivers a system that actually works. Because in this industry, the ones who adapt don’t just survive. They own the floor. References 1. “We Can’t Find Enough Skilled Workers: Can Automation Fill The Gaps?” By Joe McKendrick 2. “Automation Scorecard: How Companies That Invest Heavily Gain an Edge in Speed and Cost” by Michael Heric and Purna Doddapaneni 3. “Predictive Maintenance and the Smart Factory” by Deloitte 4. “The True Cost of Downtime”, 2024, by Siemens 5. “Human Error: A Persistent Challenge in Manufacturing Operations!” by Keyur B for Plutomen 6. “The Real Costs of Recruitment” by Katie Navarra 7. “Operations and Maintenance Best Practices Guide” US Department of Energy 8. “Taking charge: Manufacturers support growth with active workforce strategies” by Deloitte Research Center for Energy & Industrials 9. “Here's how automation and job creation can go hand in hand” by Revathi Advaithi, World Economic Forum 10. “Don't fear AI. It will lead to long-term job growth”, Oct. 26, 2020, World Economic Forum For more information please contact Jeffrey Walsh at marketing@ macrodyne.com.

it’s the brain behind it. A centralized control system directs every movement, coordinating with SCADA, ERP, and SQL-based data systems. It features variable recipe sequencing, allowing parts to move fluidly between stations, including revisits for inspections, without disrupting the flow. It’s a glimpse of what’s possible when presses and automation are engineered as one. And it’s proof that lights-out manufacturing isn’t just a buzzword. It’s here. And it’s working. The Real Threat Isn’t Automation. It’s Inaction There’s no doubt that some fear the adoption of automation in manufacturing. Critics argue it takes jobs away from human workers, accelerates the decline of skilled trades, and contributes to the so-called “dehumanization” of industrial work. And to be fair, those concerns aren’t completely unfounded. Automation does change the labor landscape. But it’s for the better. Because here’s the thing: the jobs that are disappearing are often the ones people no longer want in the first place. If recent research is right, the manufacturing sector is going to need about 3.8 million workers by 2033, with potentially half of these positions going unfilled due to a lack of qualified applicants.8 And so, automation isn’t about replacing people. It’s about rethinking how people fit into modern production. In fact, automation opens the door for a new generation of manufacturing talent — people who want to work with robotics, data systems, and advanced machinery. In fact, the World Economic Forum has pointed out that automation “has the potential to create more economic opportunities, promote a regionalized manufacturing model, and provide rewarding career pathways for a more diverse workforce.”9

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2025 41