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When you think of manufacturing, you probably think of a lot of big, noisy machines and sweaty workers in heavy aprons wielding hammers. If your imagination is a little more modern, maybe you picture giant robotic arms and sparks flying in cramped assembly lines. No matter how your imagination pictures it, modern manufacturing probably defies your expectations. The industry of 2022 is sleek, modern, high-tech, and efficient. With a people-first focus, robots and humans work together to make the goods we use every day.

What Manufacturing Used to Be Like

If those images we conjured above resonate with you, that's for a good reason: it used to be a lot closer to how things actually were.  The manufacturing industry has been around for centuries, and it used to be a very different place. Let's take a look at how manufacturing has changed over time.

The Early Days

Manufacturing first began in the homes of artisans and craftsmen. These early manufacturers were often one-man operations, working alone to create goods like furniture, pottery, and metalwork. The manufacturing process was very slow and labor-intensive. It could take weeks or even months to complete a single product.

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1700s, manufacturing began to move out of homes and into factories. This new type of manufacturing was powered by machines instead of manual labor. This allowed for a much faster production process. It also required workers with less training, which helped to lower manufacturing costs.

The Industrial Revolution was a time of great change for the manufacturing industry. New technologies and methods were developed that would shape the manufacturing process for years to come.

The Modern Era

Today, manufacturing is a high-tech industry that relies on advanced technologies to create products. Robotics, computer-aided design (CAD), and artificial intelligence are just a few of the technologies that are used in modern manufacturing. These technologies allow for a more efficient and precise manufacturing process.

Technology is continuously improving manufacturing efficiency and accuracy. For example, 3D printing is being used to create prototypes and small batch production runs of products. This helps to speed up the manufacturing process and reduces waste. But it's not just tech that improves things but people, too. 

The manufacturing industry has always been a people-first industry. It's the hard work of skilled workers that keeps the manufacturing process moving. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on attracting and retaining manufacturing talent. This is being done through initiatives like apprenticeship and internship programs and career fairs. 

Modern manufacturing also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. This includes using recycled materials, investing in renewable energy, and implementing lean manufacturing practices. This creates a net gain for everybody, as sustainable manufacturing practices help to protect our environment and create a more attainable future.

A Look Towards the Future

The manufacturing industry is always changing. New technologies and processes are being developed that will shape the manufacturing landscape for years to come. The COVID-19 pandemic showed the importance of manufacturing to the U.S. We expect to see continued investment in manufacturing - both in terms of technology and workers. 

Join the Future of Manufacturing With a Career in Robotics

A career in manufacturing is a great way to be a part of the industry's exciting future. And there's no better place to start than in robotics. Robotics is a growing field that is revolutionizing manufacturing. 

If you're interested in joining the next generation of manufacturing as a maintenance or production worker, or systems integrator, you've come to the right blog space. RoboticsCareer.org can sort through a database of thousands of robotics training and education programs throughout the country to find the best fit for you.