The Role of Robotics in Smart Manufacturing: Increasing Efficiency and Reducing Costs

Abstract

The integration of robotics poses challenges and opportunities for human workers. While automation has the potential to eliminate routine and hazardous tasks, it also necessitates upskilling and reskilling of the workforce to operate, program, and maintain robotic systems. The review examines the socioeconomic impacts of increased automation, discussing potential shifts in employment patterns and the need for a strategic approach to workforce development. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the advances in robotics within manufacturing and their profound implications on the workforce. Striking a balance between automation and human collaboration is crucial for the future of manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of proactive strategies to harness the benefits of robotics while ensuring a resilient and adaptable workforce. The results highlight how vital robotics is to the evolution of manufacturing toward more economical, efficient, and sustainable processes.