How Advanced Manufacturing is Shaping New Career Opportunities

Key Takeaways

Smart Manufacturing is the Future: Advanced manufacturing, which integrates cutting-edge technology like AI, robotics, and IoT, is revolutionizing production processes and setting the stage for future industry growth.
Skilled Talent Needed: With the rise of smart factories, there's an increasing demand for skilled professionals to manage, operate, and innovate within these advanced systems.‍
Certifications Can Give a Boost: Certifications, such as those offered by Unmudl, can provide specialized skills that enhance your career prospects and open up new opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Explore the intricacies of advanced manufacturing and smart factories. Discover how the right training can set you up for a successful future in this field.

Advanced manufacturing refers to the use of new knowledge and cutting-edge technologies like robotics and AI to improve production processes and create complex products.

Imagine a factory where people work seamlessly alongside robots, AI systems solve complex problems in real-time, and 3D printers create intricate parts on the spot.

That is advanced manufacturing as it happens not in the future, but today!

New innovations in this field are changing how manufacturing works and opening up a world of opportunities for those with the right skills.

That is what prompted the Biden-Harris Administration to recently announce $22 million to support smart manufacturing at small and medium-sized facilities across the US. It’s an investment that underscores the growing recognition of advanced manufacturing as a vital component of economic growth.

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Understanding Advanced Manufacturing

Let’s first understand what advanced manufacturing entails:

Using artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation to enhance manufacturing efficiency and precision.
Employing 3D printing and additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping and custom parts.
Leveraging data analytics and smart sensors for real-time decision-making and optimization.

Advanced manufacturing is also creating new career paths. As factories evolve, so do the jobs within them, creating a need for a new generation of workers who can navigate and harness these technologies.

Take the Ericsson 5G Smart Factory, for example.

It’s a full-scale operation that’s tapping into the power of 5G and Industry 4.0 to bring intelligent automation and real-time data into play.

This setup has already created over 500 new jobs. As the company website puts it, the 5G smart factory will help accelerate 5G deployment, which will give the US a first-mover advantage, create new jobs, and usher in a new era of technological advancement.

To fully realize these opportunities, companies, government bodies, and educational institutions must collaborate to ensure the necessary infrastructure, talent, and funding are in place.

Together, they can lead the way in opening doors to careers that are not only high-tech but also high-impact.

Modern industrial facility with automated machinery and a worker observing operations.

The Different Aspects of Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing uses a blend of digital tools and automation to streamline production, reduce waste, and respond quickly to changes in demand.

While we've covered the overall definition of advanced manufacturing, let’s delve into its different aspects to understand how it is reshaping industries and creating new opportunities.

AI, Robotics, and Automation

AI plays a crucial role in advanced manufacturing by analyzing data and making real-time decisions to improve efficiency and quality. For example, AI can predict equipment failures before they happen, allowing for preventive maintenance and reducing downtime.

According to Bain & Company, 75% of advanced manufacturing companies say adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence is their top engineering and R&D priority.

Robotics is another cornerstone of advanced manufacturing. Robots handle repetitive and physically demanding tasks with precision, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of production.

Take Audi, the luxury car manufacturer.

It has 2,500 autonomous robots on its production line in its factory in Neckarsulm, Germany. Each robot is equipped with a specific tool, from glue guns to screwdrivers, and performs a specific task required to assemble an Audi automobile.

Automation enables machines to operate independently with minimal human intervention. In electronics manufacturing, for instance, automated systems can assemble circuit boards with a high level of precision.

A line of robotic arms sorting packages on a conveyor belt inside a warehouse.

Industry 4.0 and Machine Learning

Industry 4.0 is the term used to describe the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies.

It includes the integration of cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. The fourth industrial revolution connects machines, systems, and products in a way that allows for seamless communication and coordination across the production process.

Machine Learning (ML), a subset of AI, is particularly important in this context.

ML algorithms analyze vast amounts of data collected from sensors and machines to identify patterns and optimize processes.

For instance, ML can be used to analyze production data to identify inefficiencies or predict when equipment will need maintenance, thereby reducing costs and improving productivity.

Sensors and 3D Printing

Sensors are essential in advanced manufacturing because they provide the data that AI and ML systems need to function.

They monitor everything from temperature and pressure to vibration and humidity to ensure production conditions are always optimal.

In smart factories, sensors can communicate with each other and with central systems to adjust operations in real time, improving efficiency and reducing waste.

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, allows manufacturers to create complex parts and prototypes directly from digital models, layer by layer.

3D printing is particularly useful in industries like aerospace, healthcare, and automotive, where it is used to produce lightweight components, medical implants, or customized tools with high precision.

This technology reduces material waste since it only uses the exact amount of material needed to create each part.

This can translate to significant cost savings. According to the 3D Printing Report 2024 by Protolabs, 82% of respondents said 3D printing helped them save substantial costs.

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IoT and Big Data Analytics

The IoT in Manufacturing market size will grow to $538.09 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4%.

In advanced manufacturing, IoT devices monitor machinery, track inventory levels, and ensure quality control.

For example, IoT sensors can detect when a machine is operating outside its optimal range and automatically make adjustments or alert maintenance teams to prevent downtime.

In a manufacturing setting, such Big Data analytics is key to optimizing production schedules, reducing energy consumption, and even predicting future market demands.

By analyzing data from past production runs, for instance, manufacturers can predict what quantity of a product will be needed in the future and adjust their operations accordingly.

Cloud Computing

According to the 2024 Manufacturing Industry Outlook by Deloitte, over 70% of surveyed manufacturers have woven technologies such as data analytics and cloud computing into their processes.

Cloud computing provides the infrastructure to store and process the massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices, sensors, and other technologies.

By using cloud-based platforms, manufacturers can access and analyze data from anywhere in the world, enabling global collaboration and faster decision-making.

Cloud computing also allows for the integration of various digital tools and systems, making it easier to manage complex production processes.

For example, a manufacturer can use cloud-based software to monitor production lines in multiple factories around the world, ensuring each facility is operating efficiently and any issues are addressed immediately.

Hand pointing to cloud icon amidst various technology symbols on a gray background.

Innovative Materials Used

Advanced manufacturing also involves the use of innovative materials. For instance, lightweight yet strong materials like carbon fiber composites are used in industries ranging from aerospace to sports equipment manufacturing.

These materials enhance product performance while reducing weight and energy consumption.

Advanced manufacturing often involves materials that can be engineered at the microscopic level. Nano materials, for example, have unique properties that can improve the strength or conductivity of a product.

This opens up new possibilities for creating products that are lighter, stronger, and more efficient than ever before.

Exploring Career Opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing has opened up jobs for skilled talent across various sectors, offering promising career paths for those with the right expertise.

Here’s a closer look at some of the key roles emerging from this new wave of manufacturing:

Mechatronics: The field of mechatronics combines mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and control engineering to design and maintain smart machines. About 1,300 openings for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Cloud Computing Professionals: Roles such as cloud engineers, developers, and computer systems analysts are increasingly vital in manufacturing, where they help manage and optimize cloud-based systems that support production. According to Gartner, cloud jobs will continue to boom over the next few years, hitting one million by 2025.
Data Scientists: These professionals analyze large sets of data to help manufacturers optimize processes, predict maintenance needs, and improve product quality. Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 35% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Information and Cybersecurity Specialists: These professionals protect manufacturing systems from cyber threats by ensuring networks, data, and connected devices remain secure. They implement security measures, monitor for breaches, and maintain compliance with regulations. Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

In addition to these roles, advanced manufacturing is generating demand for various other skilled positions.

For instance, automation specialists are needed to design and maintain robotic systems, while AI and machine learning experts develop algorithms to improve production efficiency.

Meanwhile, supply chain analysts are crucial for ensuring that production materials are delivered on time and at the lowest possible cost.

The rapid growth of these roles indicates advanced manufacturing is a promising pathway for skilled professionals.

Industrial robot welding metal with sparks as workers in hard hats oversee the process.

Preparing for a Future in Advanced Manufacturing

In a world full of smart factories and cutting-edge technology, only those with the right skills will thrive.

Here’s how you can get started or pivot your career to fit into this rapidly growing industry:

Accredited Certification: Enroll in specialized certification courses that focus on advanced manufacturing technologies. Platforms like Unmudl offer a range of programs that can equip you with the necessary skills, from robotics to data analysis, and help you stay competitive in this evolving field.
Networking: Build a strong network within the industry by attending manufacturing conferences, joining relevant online forums, and connecting with professionals in the field. Networking can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable insights into the latest industry trends.
College Degree: Pursuing a degree in fields like engineering, computer science, or industrial technology can provide a solid foundation in the principles of advanced manufacturing.

If a four-year college degree isn’t a practical option for you, consider community college courses, such as those offered at Unmudl. These programs provide specialized training and skills in advanced manufacturing, making them a valuable and accessible alternative for building a career in this field.

Internship: Gain hands-on experience through internships with manufacturing companies. Internships allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings, develop practical skills, and build a portfolio that will make you stand out to potential employers.

Kickstart Your Career in Advanced Manufacturing with Unmudl

As the manufacturing industry evolves, staying updated with the latest skills is crucial. Investing in upskilling and reskilling will help you become a valuable asset in the advanced manufacturing job market.

Unmudl provides a broad selection of courses tailored to enhance your expertise and support your career growth.

Take advantage of Unmudl’s offerings to refine your skills and make a meaningful impact in the field.

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Last updated on:

October 15, 2024

Contributor(s)

Unmudl Skills Team

The Unmudl Skills Team is a team of experts with decades of experience in helping learners acquire the skills needed to secure meaningful employment in the workforce.

How Advanced Manufacturing is Shaping New Career Opportunities

Key Takeaways

We help people in Texas find high-paying trade jobs.

We help people in New Mexico find high-paying trade jobs.