Automation: Transforming Auto Industry Workforce Requirements

Automation is revolutionising the workforce requirements of the Indian automotive industry and is having a major impact on the industry. It's changing job roles, lowering costs, and increasing efficiency from robotic assembly lines to AI quality control. There are fewer traditional labour jobs in the automation industry in India, but more jobs in digital manufacturing, robotics & artificial intelligence. Here is how automation is impacting the transformation of the workforce and skills that will be needed in the future for India's auto industry.

Shift to High-Skilled Roles

One of the impacts of automation in the auto industry is that it diminishes repetitive manual labour. It does not mean the workforce is contracting; rather, it is shifting.

• Modern factories are now looking for AI and robotics engineers to create, programme, and maintain robotic assembly systems.
• Data analysts are also in demand since they take the vast amounts of data generated by smart manufacturing systems and analyse it.
• In addition, software developers will most likely have an important role in developing and implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions in manufacturing plants.
• Manufacturers also need more cybersecurity experts to protect sensitive data and maintain the integrity of connected systems, as much of the manufacturing sector is now susceptible to cyber risk exposure.

Upskilling and Reskilling of Workers

Automation will alter job functions, and reskilling is essential to operate industrial automation products.

• Workers are being trained to operate CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, for instance, to allow them to use advanced tools to manufacture car parts with tolerances measured in microns.
• Mechatronics is becoming a more common course offering. It combines skills in mechanical, electrical and computer knowledge to operate and maintain automated machines.
• Another growing area of training is AI-based quality inspection systems. Workers can be trained to monitor the automated inspection systems of their products.
• Training in PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming helps in automating operations, monitoring input and output signals, and detecting problems or malfunctions.

Training to help with re-skilling is a positive benefit for the employees and an investment in guaranteeing the company remains competitive in a technology market. Mitsubishi Electric India supports this shift by providing automation training and technical support, contributing to a future-ready workforce.

Easing-in the new normal

This transition to new roles is not about eliminating work, but about easing the traditional employee's workload. Cobots (collaborative robots), are being used in manufacturing car parts. These machines are deployed next to human workers, completing the dangerous or monotonous tasks and leaving the areas which require decision-making and adaptability to humans.

As the industry shifts to use smarter and more efficient production lines, the need for skilled technical labour is mounting. To be successful in this new world, both workers and companies will have to cultivate a culture of ongoing learning and flexibility. Together with ongoing upskilling and investment in human capital, the automotive workforce can play a vital role in the evolution of the automotive industry and lead the way through this new age of automation.