4 Industrial Manufacturing Trends for 2017 and Beyond

Experts in manufacturing and industrial processes predict that such operations can only succeed if they overcome challenges in energy consumption, talent, innovation, and infrastructure. So, to be on top, a company has to use green and affordable energy, attract and retain the best talent, and come up with more innovative solutions than its competitors. The complexities of the industrial manufacturing environment and factors from within and outside a firm are making the task very tough. So, what is the future of the industrial/manufacturing scene?

Robotics have become very popular in the industrial manufacturing scene, making very important in the sector. In a few years to come, factory workers, especially the unskilled and lowly paid category will be replaced by automated systems. For close to 70 years, robotics have been in existence in controlled manufacturing environments where they performed repetitive tasks. However, most of the robotic systems in use at the moment are highly intelligent and versatile. In a couple of years from today, they will work without human intervention and eventually take over the manufacturing processes that workers carry out.

Manufacturing has now embraced the concept of the internet of things (IoT) and has been using it for a couple of years now. It features the linking of machines, computers, humans, and sensors through the internet. As a result, companies can get enhanced capabilities when it comes to information gathering, analysis, processing, and monitoring. You can now get the exact cost in energy terms that you utilize in the production of a single unit of your product. In the future, the internet of things is set to find more use and get implemented by a higher number of firms.

The manufacturing sector’s use of 3D printing technology is now evident. A simple definition of the technology is the use of digital designs in the creation of products. With unlimited improvements expected in the future, the technology is set to play a huge role in the manufacturing sector in the next couple of years. Some companies are, however, benefiting from its use in the creation of specialized components that are costly, cumbersome, and time-consuming to manufacture in normal manufacturing settings.

It is now commonplace to find a manufacturer that has embraced augmented reality. It is a computer imaging technology that now allows manufacturers to convey information and guidance in real-time to users. The recipients of the information use the graphics and other virtual enhancements for their work. For accuracy, the instructions are also relayed in the form of audio. Manufacturers are currently using the technology in tasks like training, safety enhancement, and for tracking inventory. In the future, there are endless improvements expected, which will increase the use of the technology.

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