Automation is one of the most controversial subjects in any discussion of the future of industry and society as a whole. Some people worry that automation will simply take jobs, without replacing them. Others say that automation is more efficient, more flexible, and inevitable economically.
The Current Realities of Factory Automation
Factory automation is at the centre of these arguments. Traditionally, factory production is both a major employer, and the defining reality of manufacturing at all levels. Despite the many arguments, the future of factory automation is likely to be based on pure economic realities.
The current reality is that partial automation is already a fact of life in most industries. New technologies, new automated systems, new system designs, and materials are progressively phasing out old-style manufacturing. Studies have shown that automated production is cheaper, quicker, and produces direct cost benefits for consumers.
Future Factory Automation
The next stage of future factory automation is already happening in China, where whole factories are being turned over from manpower to pure automation. This is also a form of “lights out” manufacturing. This type of manufacturing is 24/7 production without much human participation in the actual manufacturing process.
Another critical economic factor in future factory automation is the sheer flexibility of this type of production. A fully automated factory can switch from producing one product to another almost instantly. The economic values of this capacity are that a single automated factory has the equivalent production of several old-style factories.
New options for manufacturing, like large-scale high speed 3D printing, are currently under development. This new manufacturing technology can manufacture any kind of product, from toys to advanced components for spacecraft.
Whole industries could benefit from these highly agile production capabilities. A 3D printer-based factory can print an entire house, which has already been done in China. A mansion can be printed in 45 days.
Another 3D printing process printed 10 houses in 24 hours. Custom designed 3D printed houses could be created using CAD programs with literally millions of design choices. You can’t really argue with that level of economic efficiency, particularly when cost benefits delivered those houses at a fraction of conventional construction costs.
Factory Automation and Future Jobs
Manufacturing on this scale also creates jobs in high-end employment fields like:
- Industrial process systems
- Product designers
- Engineering
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- IT designers
- Software
- Sales and marketing
- Retail
- Online businesses
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Communications
- System technicians like plumbing and electrical
Everybody will see many direct positive effects of automation. This type of manufacturing delivers a “whole economy” effect. It’s already happening around the world. The fact is that factory automation is based on market needs, which naturally and reliably reflect social needs. The entire global supply chain, from production to consumer, will benefit from these manufacturing techniques, and so will humanity.
Need Some Help with Your Factory Automation and Systems?
EPG Electrical Plumbing Group Pty. Ltd. is your full bandwidth solution for industrial automation and onsite systems needs. Our services include factory automation, switchboards, commercial electrical contractors and plumbing services. We also provide related consultancy and planning services for factories in Brisbane. Contact us by phone or use our online form to get in touch and one of our team will respond to your enquiry ASAP.
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