Acceleration in use of Automation Technologies
Published on : Thursday 16-04-2020
We will need a deeper shift in public policy and retraining/education strategies to meet the needs of this fast-moving evolution, says Joe Gemma, Global Vice President, Calvary Robotics.
While as a global population, we will learn many things from the challenge now facing us, I believe it is safe to say that we will see and acceleration in the use of automation technologies going forward, especially when it is to keep workers and consumers safe. Ironically, prior to this crisis there was still some hesitation in North America and Europe particularly for wide spread use of robotics technology. This unprecedented situation has many companies rethinking this position and many will now push to automate and review opportunities to automate production and processes. We will likely see increased investment in both traditional areas of manufacturing like medical device production and non-traditional areas like recycling and fast food processes. The grocery industry will certainly undergo a change, whether it is disinfecting/sanitising automation or inventory management. They will need to rethink and re-evaluate the current method and invest in new technological approaches to handling and storage. Asset management in general will see a paradigm shift in the control and individual allotment disbursement through automation technologies to protect the manufacturing companies and consumers of the products.
Some technology areas have already seen higher visibility due to the circumstances. For example, additive manufacturing or 3D printing emphasised the flexibility inherent in the process and brought recognition to the benefits like mass customisation, localised production, simplified logistics and spare parts on demand. While the investment in robotics and automation has seen a cost reduction in the last several years, with volumes increasing, the cost of automation is also likely to see a further decrease and see an increase in standardisation. However, this will also create a boom in better paying, higher qualities jobs with new required skill sets.
Other areas that are already rapidly changing, will get a boost in utilisation from these events in the near future, like Artificial Intelligence and Logistics Automation. For example, AI among many things, will allow for simpler review of processes and eliminate redundant inspections and logistics will have an impact across the whole value chain, particularly in the last mile delivery development area. Mobility is a major and beneficial disruptive technology that is still underutilised, but will see amplified use almost immediately. Some additional benefits of embracing automation technologies are that it is scalable, flexible and adaptable.
There certainly some gaps, as “ease of us” is not readily available for all the technologies that are merging and common communication tools need to be developed further. Also, we will need a deeper shift in public policy and retraining/education strategies to meet the needs of this fast-
moving evolution. This will almost certainly bring on a cultural change of acceptance in all areas of our lives, including the doctor’s office, telemedicine, legal and financial management, among others. It is in interesting time and will have a lasting legacy on the nature of work, but it will help us prepare ourselves for the economy of the not too distant future.
Joe Gemma has 35 plus years of experience working in the automation industry, 12 years working for a System Integrator and the last 20+ years working for a Robotics OEM. Strongly supporting the industry by participating on the RIA Board of Directors and as past Chair and currently serves on the Board of the Association for Advancing Automation. He has served on the Board of the IFR and past President for International Federation of Robotics. Joe recently joined Calvary Robotics as the Global Vice President. Previously he spent 5 plus years as the Chief Regional Officer for KUKA Robotics Division – Americas. Spending 18 years at Stäubli, Mr Gemma was CEO the Stäubli Group North America. Until 1997, he worked for the US enterprises, Advanced Technology Systems, Crellin Technologies and Corner & Lada, working in engineering, project management, business development and sales management. Mr Gemma currently serves on various committees of the Robotic Industries Association, which covers the North American automation industry. Joe is committed to working to get broader visibility of the automation industry in general.
