New and emerging technologies
Companies are trying to save money, improve products, develop new materials and become more efficient. New technologies are developed to positively impact the manufacturing industry and society.
Impact on industry
Technology continues to be developed for manufacturing processes in order to improve quality and speed of making, while maintaining customer satisfaction.
Automation
Automation has been developing in factories since the Industrial Revolution, with machinery being used to complete tasks previously done by humans. Automated machines are programmed to carry out a procedure multiple times, eg repeatedly creating the shape of a car door using a press, to improve production time. The cost of setting up machinery is high but, when they are operating, less waste is produced and running costs are lower.
Robotics
The use of robots is just one part of automation. The difference between robotics and automation is that robots use artificial intelligence (AI) to collect information and improve the performance of a particular procedure. Robotics has proven popular because of their ability to increase efficiency and handle harmful materials that humans can't, but they are very expensive.
Specialist buildings
Smart technology has improved the efficiency of buildings, with many factories using renewable energy sources to try to minimise environmental impact. Modular buildings can be erected quickly and at a low cost, and improvements in stock control mean less storage space is needed.
