ROBOTIC AUTOMATION FOR SMART FACTORIES

ROBOTIC AUTOMATION FOR SMART FACTORIES

In a world where business processes are constantly evolving, the future of the manufacturing sector will differ significantly from traditional models. Factors such as alternative materials, lightweight designs, ecological concerns, consumer trends, and electric vehicles are reshaping the industry, pushing companies to enhance their competitiveness and adopt innovative structures.

To maintain our position in the global market and strengthen our competitive advantage, we must transform our production methods in response to the ongoing improvements in manufacturing processes worldwide. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics must be effectively utilized in production facilities, management, measurement, monitoring, design, and customer relations to keep pace with global industry trends and boost exports.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, robotic production, automation, and remote monitoring systems—which emerged with Industry 4.0—have become more crucial than ever. Although Turkey has yet to reach the desired level in this field, the knowledge and expertise in remote production technologies are steadily increasing.

Industrial robotic automation has significantly improved quality and efficiency, particularly in mass production industries. Consequently, the integration of robots and CNC machines has become increasingly common in the Turkish market, mirroring global trends. Robots are now extensively used in loading/unloading machine tools, as well as in more complex automation processes, including sanding, deburring, polishing, welding, pallet loading, and packaging.

Advantages of Robotic Automation Systems

By adopting robotic automation, companies can benefit from:

1. Reduced labor costs

2. Enhanced worker safety in hazardous environments

3. Greater production flexibility

4. Improved and consistent quality control

5. Increased production output

6. Addressing the shortage of skilled labor

7. Uninterrupted operation across three shifts

8. Higher load-bearing capacity compared to humans

9. Efficiency in repetitive and monotonous tasks

10. Minimizing quality control errors

11. Fast return on investment (ROI)

12. High mobility and flexibility in operations

New Job Roles in the Age of Automation

As robotic automation becomes increasingly vital to industrial production, robot operators must develop the ability to reprogram robots and CNC machines according to changing variables.

Another emerging high-demand profession is automation consulting. Graduates with the necessary skills in robotics and automation will have excellent job opportunities. Skilled

robot operators and automation consultants will enhance operational efficiency and accelerate the adoption of robotics in businesses.

In Turkey and worldwide, the demand for workers who can operate, program, develop software solutions, implement automation systems, establish digital infrastructures, and specialize in these areas will continue to grow. The workforce of the future will need expertise in robotic technologies to keep up with the rapidly evolving industrial landscape.