When we recently surveyed architectural and engineering/construction firms (A&E/Cs) and asked what trends or forces they see driving automation projects, every firm mentioned “labor” or “workforce availability” in its initial response. 

A few years ago, you’d have to make the case for automation, pick a part of the plant to automate as a proof of performance, and then show a return-on-investment (ROI) of a few short years. Now with workforce issues being what they are, automation is getting a more serious look. Even manufacturers who wouldn’t have considered automation before the pandemic have changed their tune.