A new global survey commissioned by ABB Robotics and conducted by Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) has concluded that while automation is considered critical to the future of the automotive industry, many companies in the supply chain have yet to take advantage of the benefits offered by robotics and digitalisation.
It finds that almost all respondents (97%) believe that automation and robotics will transform the automotive industry over the next 5-years, with a similar number (96%) predicting that software, digitalisation and data management will be equally significant. In terms of pace of investment, most believed that new OEMs and start-ups were well ahead of the curve, investing either ‘very well’ (38%) or ‘quite well’ (28%), followed by legacy OEMs who were thought to be embracing automation ‘very well’ by 31%.
However, only 7% believed that Tier 2 suppliers were making the necessary investment, with Tier 3 suppliers further behind with only 3%.
Joerg Reger, MD, ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line said, “Automation has traditionally been seen as the preserve of only the very largest manufacturers. Automation can make smaller companies more resilient, flexible and efficient.”
Daniel Harrison, Automotive Analyst from Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) said: “While both new and established manufacturers are making key investments, the essential upstream supply chain supporting them is not moving as quickly. This could prove problematic in terms of costs and also the speed new and increasingly complex components for EVs and connected cars are delivered to the factory. Affordable and practical automation and robotics needs to be available to the entire industry.”
The ABB survey gathered opinions on a range of topics from a comprehensive mix of nearly 400 industry experts from vehicle manufacturers and suppliers at all levels of management and engineering as well as other key professionals throughout the automotive world.
