However, Knizek cautions, “the use of these technologies is not a short-term slam dunk. We’ve seen major manufacturers attempt to bring production to the US through the use of automation, attempt to use technology to make up for cost differential and fail.”
The deployment of robots and automated systems “more generally have been met with challenges that include significant skilling and capital investment requirements, integration complexity, and cultural resistance regarding lack of predictability and explainability of sophisticated models as well as concerns of role displacement,” says McCall. “Further, any incorporation of AI or robotics requires significant new process and policy considerations as well as appropriate human oversight.
Companies need “a solid strategy that puts people and skills at its heart, to get the best out of these technologies and create long-term value for their business,” Knizek says. The first step in making this move “is to take a step back, properly assess your business and supply chain, and determine what makes sense to automate based on a thorough maturity and cost-benefit analysis.