Three-in-ten decision makers have doubts about skills in automation and robotics

Indiana, US - 25th January 2023 - Nearly half (46%) of manufacturing decision makers admit that their organisation is failing to invest in training on the use of new technologies. This is according to the recent research findings by Visual Components.

To add to this concern, three in ten (30%) don't believe that the majority of their workforce are skilled in using automation and robotics in the manufacturing environment, reflecting the potential consequences of not prioritizing training programs.
However, 76% are at least fairly confident that their business has embraced Industry 4.0 concepts such as automation, artificial intelligence and real-time data, while 78% believe their current solutions allow workers to be at the centre of the production process, suggesting a level of misplaced confidence among business leaders.
The need to better utilize technology in the manufacturing environment is highlighted by the mistakes that are currently being made on the factory floor. As many as 23% of decision makers cite low flexibility for different jobs with a robot, poor layout design (18%) and a wrong focus point (22%) as some of the key errors made.
Although Industry 5.0 practices are already being adopted in the industry, only 32% of decision makers say they have a very good understanding of the concept, while only 32% have made significant or good progress in their digital transformation roadmaps, which is critical for Industry 5.0 progress. Decision makers do believe however that automation and robotics is the most important to build or redesign the factories of the future (33%), highlighting the importance of eradicating errors and increasing efficiency as new robots are incorporated.
"Technology is becoming an inseparable and invaluable element of today's manufacturing processes. Yet, it's concerning to see that investment in training to successfully adopt new tools and simulation software doesn't currently go hand-in-hand. This could significantly slow down the development of Industry 5.0 and smart factories, and potentially worsen the labor shortage problem as people are more likely to quit if they're not given sufficient training," said Graham Wloch, Director of Business Development, Visual Components.
Although over eight-in-ten (85%) manufacturing organizations currently use simulation software or have plans to do so in the future, only just over a third (35%) state that it is easy-to-use for all employees, further highlighting the importance of choosing the right solution and integrating effective training for staff.
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About Visual Components
Founded by a team of simulation experts and amassing over 20 years in business, Visual Components is one of the pioneers of the 3D manufacturing simulation industry. The organisation is a trusted technology partner to a number of leading brands, offering machine builders, system integrators and manufacturers a simple, quick and cost-effective solution to design and simulate production processes. To move to its next stage of growth and enhance its product offering, Visual Components has acquired Delfoi, a pioneer company in robot offline programming (OLP) software solutions. For more information please visit: https://www.visualcomponents.com/