How AI Will Transform the Future of Manufacturing
How AI Will Transform the Future of Manufacturing
IT Data Solutions
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into the manufacturing value chain is significantly changing the nature of that sector’s workforce, according to new research from the MAPI Foundation. But rather than robots taking human jobs, new hybrid roles are emerging where humans enable machines and AI augments human capabilities.
Robert Atkinson and Stephen Ezell of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), and both the authors of “How AI Will Transform Manufacturing and the Workforce of the Future” say that within the next five years manufacturers will see significant growth in AI through machine vision, intelligent products, machine learning, and cobots, both within factories and throughout the supply chain. They project this will lead to a myriad of new types of AI-related jobs in manufacturing.
The research was conducted in partnership with ITIF and included a survey of MAPI members to understand the current and future state of AI for manufacturing.
According to this survey of U.S.-based manufacturers, currently almost three-fourths of them have not yet introduced new types of AI-related jobs into their companies. In addition, only 20% have comprehensively re-evaluated job roles, titles, levels, and pay scales in recognition of the need to attract employees with AI skills. However, Atkinson and Ezell note this is changing quickly.
The study emphasizes that more than 40% of manufacturers have already created “data scientists/data quality analysts” in their workforces, and 35% more expect to do so within the next five years. A sizable proportion of manufacturers are also creating “machine learning engineers or specialists” (33% today, 70% within five years), “collaborative robotics specialists” (29% today, 27% within five years), and “data-quality analysts” and “AI solutions programmers/software designers” (26% today, 40% within five years).
“Manufacturing is already facing a worker shortage, and advanced technologies create additional technical and workforce challenges to find and retain talent with the necessary digital skills,” observed Stephen Gold, president of the MAPI Foundation. “Companies that acquire and cultivate new digital-related skills will have a distinct advantage as AI reshapes the industry, including identifying new roles for AI-focused jobs such as leading AI strategy and supervising implementations.”
Six Recommended Elements of the Manufacturing Evolution
Atkinson and Ezell share recommendations for business leaders as they integrate new AI-related strategies and technologies:
1. Create teams to drive digital transformation in the enterprise.
- The digitalization of manufacturing, including the application of AI-based solutions, heralds the most significant transformation to manufacturing in a generation.
- Manufacturers will need dedicated teams to navigate this transformation, such as digital command centers and digital business teams tasked with leading the deployment of emerging digital technologies.
