Emerging technologies have brought about significant changes to the manufacturing ecosystem in recent years, revolutionizing the way products are designed, produced, and distributed.
Automation have transformed the manufacturing process, allowing for increased precision, speed, and consistency. While additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has revolutionized the production process by enabling the creation of complex parts and prototypes with a high degree of accuracy, improving efficiency, and allowing for more customization in manufacturing.
IoT devices are being used to connect machines, sensors, and other equipment, creating a network of smart devices that can communicate with each other. AI and machine learning technologies are being used to analyse data from IoT devices to optimize manufacturing processes, from design to production.
We see the use ofAugmented Reality (AR) technology to enhance design and production processes by allowing designers and engineers to visualize products in 3D, creating simulations that can test the product in real-world environments.
Emerging technologies are easing manufacturing challenges experienced across the industry. It has enabled companies to remove redundant practices, increase production rates, and improve product quality.
Automation
Manufacturing processes are becoming faster, more efficient, and more accurate as a result of automation. Robots are used in automated assembly lines to perform repetitive tasks such as screwing, gluing, and welding. Robots are also increasingly being used for quality control and inspection to ensure that products meet quality standards, eliminating chances of error and improving consistency.
Material handling and maintenance are other key areas where automation is benefitting the manufacturing industry. Using robots to move materials and products throughout the manufacturing process reduces the risk of injury to workers. While predictive maintenance, monitoring equipment and alerting maintenance can improve safety, reduce downtime and improve productivity. Collaborative robots, or “cobots,” are emerging to work alongside workers, completing activities that are too dangerous or strenuous for humans.
The benefits of automation and robotics in manufacturing are numerous. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of automation and robotics in manufacturing. Manufacturing processes will become more competitive as a result of the improvement in efficiency and accuracy, as well as the decrease in labour costs and the rise in output rates.
Automation in India
India’s industrial automation sector has been transformed by merging digital and physical parts of manufacturing to achieve maximum performance. Furthermore, the emphasis on zero waste production and shorter time to market has accelerated industry growth. The Indian industrial automation market was valued at USD 10.72 billion in 2021, and it is expected to reach USD 23.09 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 14.26% over the forecast period.
Strategies for Deploying Automation
Automation can offer significant benefits for manufacturers, including increased efficiency, reduced costs, and greater flexibility. There are several strategies that can be used by industries while deploying automation to ease manufacturing challenges. Some key strategies that should be considers are:
- Identifying the right processes for automation: Before deploying automation, it’s important to identify which are processes in manufacturing operations are most suitable for automation. Businesses keen on implementing new technology must consider the fact that some processes may not be feasible or cost-effective to automate.
- Setting clear goals and expectations: It is critical for businesses to establish clear goals and expectations for what they hope to accomplish through automation. This can include increasing efficiency, decreasing costs, improving quality, or increasing output. Defining clear goals will not only help narrow down the technology that will be used but will also make new technology adoption easier.
- Choosing the right technology: There are many different types of automation technologies available, including robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. It’s important to choose the right technology for your specific needs.
- Developing a roadmap: Develop a roadmap for how you will implement automation in your manufacturing operations. This should include timelines, budgets, and specific tasks and milestones.
- Skilling: Implementing automation will require new skills and training for the workforce. It’s important to invest in training and development programs to ensure that the current employees can work effectively with the new technology.
- Evaluating performance: Once automation has been deployed, it’s important to monitor and evaluate its performance regularly. This can help you identify areas for improvement and make adjustments as necessary.
Overall, leveraging automation can help manufacturers overcome challenges and improve their operations. By deploying automation technologies such as robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, manufacturers can achieve greater efficiency, reduce costs, improve quality, and increase production output.