Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Despite significant advances in robotics and artificial intelligence over the past three decades, the adoption of these technologies in manufacturing remains the exception rather than the rule. For example, only 12% of manufacturing facilities in the United States have any robot adoption at all, and only half of those facilities report moderate or high use of robotics. What explains why manufacturing firms have had such difficulty making use of new technologies? Drawing on technology sales data, case studies, and interviews, this presentation will identify technical, workforce, and management characteristics that differentiate robot power users. It will also discuss the ways in which public policy and training programs have the potential to shape the adoption of new technologies that can drive improved productivity and higher wages.
Despite significant advances in robotics and artificial intelligence over the past three decades, the adoption of these technologies in manufacturing remains the exception rather than the rule. For example, only 12% of manufacturing facilities in the United States have any robot adoption at all, and only half of those facilities report moderate or high use of robotics. What explains why manufacturing firms have had such difficulty making use of new technologies? Drawing on technology sales data, case studies, and interviews, this presentation will identify technical, workforce, and management characteristics that differentiate robot power users. It will also discuss the ways in which public policy and training programs have the potential to shape the adoption of new technologies that can drive improved productivity and higher wages.
