Future of the Technician Workforce Study

Manufacturing & Automation

KEY TECHNOLOGIES: MANUFACTURING & AUTOMATION NOW NEXT 3 YEARS

Table 16

NEXT 4-10 YEARS

Additive Manufacturing

 Automated 3D scanning systems.

 Cellular manufacturing (i.e. sequencing of multiple additive processes) for custom batch processing.  3D printing using metals and superalloys.  Real-time process monitoring and statistical process controls for new technologies.  Closed loop machine monitoring and adjustments

Advanced Process Control

 Digital twin simulation mod- els with hardware-in-the- loop (HIL) capabilities.  Use of both new and legacy sensors and software for predictive overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

 Equipment with integrated access controls to verify operator’s certified training credentials.

for process control and machine maintenance.

Artificial Intelligence

 AI-based data analytics to aid in decision-making.  Machine learning for process/quality control and predictive maintenance.

 AI-based expert systems (ES) (i.e., knowledge-based systems) for advanced training.  Machine learning for adaptive/reactive autonomous operations planning.  Fully automated “lights-out” manufacturing or “dark factories” with no on-site human presence.  AR/VR for training/assisting with challenging or high-risk tasks.  Adaptive/reactive autonomous operations planning.  Agile automation techniques for batch, low volume and cellular manufacturing.

Augmented and Virtual Reality

 New types of user interfaces including vocal controls and headsets.

 Increased use of AR/VR for reducing physical inspections, repairs, and asset maintenance.

Automation and Robotics

 Easy to program robots

and cobots for increased productivity and reliability.

| 20 MCC Economic and Workforce Development Center