This survey highlights a critical juncture in the automotive industry’s evolution, emphasizing the significant role of automation and robotics as transformative elements. The nearly unanimous agreement among respondents about the transformative potential of automation and robotics (97%) and the importance of software, digitalization, and data management (96%) underscores a broad consensus on the direction the automotive industry is headed.
The survey points out a disparity in the pace of automation adoption, with new OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and startups being perceived as more proactive in integrating automation technologies compared to legacy OEMs and, notably, Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers. This discrepancy suggests a potential bottleneck in the supply chain, as the slower adoption rates at the Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels could hinder the overall industry’s ability to innovate and maintain competitiveness, especially as it transitions to electric vehicles (EVs) and connected cars.
Joerg Reger’s comments highlight a common misconception about automation being exclusive to large manufacturers, whereas ABB’s portfolio, including collaborative robots (cobots) and AI-powered Autonomous Mobile Robots, can benefit companies of all sizes. The success story of Japan’s SUS Corporation, which improved productivity by 20% through the adoption of ABB’s YuMi® cobots, illustrates the tangible benefits of automation, including increased resilience, flexibility, and efficiency for smaller producers.
Daniel Harrison’s insights further emphasize the gap in the upstream supply chain’s adoption of automation and robotics, which poses risks in terms of cost efficiencies and the timely delivery of complex components needed for modern vehicles. His call for affordable and practical automation solutions for the entire industry points to the necessity of a more inclusive approach to automation adoption, ensuring that benefits are accessible to companies regardless of their size or position in the supply chain.
Overall, the ABB survey provides valuable insights into the state of automation in the automotive industry, highlighting the critical role of digitalization and robotics in shaping the future of manufacturing. It also points to existing challenges, especially in ensuring that the entire supply chain can keep pace with technological advancements, which is essential for the industry to thrive in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving global market.
