The disruption of labour
Tesla is to have humanoid robots for internal use next year, Elon Musk says.
The automaker adds it will have the robots “hopefully” in high production for other companies in 2026.
Humanoid robots aren’t in demand in food and drink manufacturing – and won’t be for some time, however the shrinking labour pool and the manufacturing labour shortage is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century facing globalised economies.
This problematic situation affects the food and drink manufacturing sector more than most and threatens its innovative strength. One solution for the industry may be the use of robots. But how effective is this approach?
There are many reasons for the shortage of workers from demographic change (ageing populations), through an education system struggling to train skilled workers, to competition from abroad for employees.
The consequences for the food and drink sector – production delays, a lack of innovation and a brake on growth for companies – make this a challenge that needs immediate action.
Taking a look at Rabobank’s recent analysis of twenty-plus producers who it spoke to when investigating whether companies see robotisation as a way to scale up labour productivity and retain existing staff, it is clear that, yes it’s a worthwhile investment.
But, robotisation is also associated with challenges. This is because it requires investment in robot technologies, training, creating an environment in which humans and machines can work together harmoniously and, above all, rethinking and a willingness to change.
Currently, robots are used in raw material handling, packaging and internal logistics helping businesses free employees to take on other tasks needed to maintain production levels and fulfil customer orders.
The employees used for new or additional tasks have to be trained to perform more complex or creative tasks. In other words, while simple or monotonous tasks are being eliminated, new occupational fields are emerging around the development, programming and use of robots.
The most recent World Robotics report (2023) recorded 553,052 industrial robot installations around the world. By region, 73 per cent of all newly deployed robots were installed in Asia, 15 per cent in Europe and 10 per cent in the Americas. The European Union remains the world’s second largest market for robots with 70,781 units installed, with Germany (36 per cent), Italy (16 per cent) and France (10 per cent).
As of 2022, the UK stood at around 9 per cent, with 2,534 industrial robots, which is less than a tenth of Germany’s.
Implementing robotics requires adjustments in production processes and places higher demands on staff working in collaboration. There is a shortage of technicians, and the costs of robots and integration are high. Manufacturers often have to choose between investing in robots or waiting for larger new construction plans. Despite these challenges, there are considerable benefits for companies – and many are planning investment.
- Rodney Jack, editor, Food & Drink Technology.
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