While the major automakers and logistics companies have invested heavily in robotics, the majority of businesses in the U.S. are smaller and have yet to adopt automation. Cheaper and more flexible robots promise to meet the needs of small and midsize businesses. However, significant challenges remain.
This free download provides a primer on how small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from robotics. It looks at the debate around robots, jobs, and reshoring of production, as well as state and federal initiatives to help SMEs.
SMEs represent a large potential market for robotics, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems. Successful robotics developers and suppliers of all sizes tailor their products to satisfy SME needs.
Collaborative robot arms, or cobots, plus machine learning advancements and a proliferation of mobile platforms, are all making it easier than ever for small and midsize manufacturers and supply chains to improve efficiency and productivity.
Manufacturers, know thyself
As with other applications of robotics, one hurdle is properly assessing where automation can add the most value. Despite the claims of some of the larger robotics vendors, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to your processes. Integrators can provide key assistance, and robotics as a service (RaaS) can help manage costs.
In addition, chief robotics officers (CROs) and other executives or teams tasked with implementing automation and monitoring returns on investment must sell robotics to corporate leadership and employees worried about their jobs. Analysts, integrators, and government agencies are starting to recognize the importance of CROs.
One example is the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute. The Pittsburgh-based institute is a public-private partnership supporting projects around workforce development and helping small and midsize U.S. manufacturers effectively adopt robotics.
Is there a topic you’d like to see Robotics Business Review cover in a report next year? If so, let us know! We are planning on providing more case studies and actionable advice for CROs, so if you have an interesting story to share, we’d be happy to speak with you.
To download this free PDF, provide your information below.