MT Magazine May/June 2026

FEATURE STORY

Cicco explained that some people are interested in the humanoid robot because they may have a task where there is high absenteeism, so swapping out a person with a robot to do the task seems to make sense. Cicco thinks the better approach is: “Look at what the problem is and not how a person currently does it. Solve the problem in the most effective way possible – not try to recreate exactly what a person does, step by step.” One of the things they’re finding as they develop applications is using collaborative robots (cobots) to work alongside people – with the robots providing supplemental assistance – leverages the talent and capabilities of the individuals. Help Wanted — and Needed In many ways, it comes down to people. In an address about U.S. manufacturing presented in February, Carolyn Lee, president of the Manufacturing Institute (MI), stated: “Manufacturing has been facing a structural talent shortage for many years, one that could leave us with 1.9 million unfilled manufacturing positions by 2033, according to the MI’s research with Deloitte.” She added: “Tomorrow’s manufacturing workforce will need digital fluency, comfort with data, and the ability to work alongside intelligent systems. People often ask me whether AI is coming for manufacturing jobs. Here’s what I believe: AI won’t take your job. But jobs will go to people who know how to use AI. People who can leverage new technologies into the way they operate – who can use it to help them solve problems, make better decisions, and get more done – will succeed in the job market and power the future.” The “intelligent systems” she mentions are undoubtedly based on robotic automation powered by AI and the like. And while 2033 and the impending labor crunch may seem like a long way off, rest assured – it isn’t.

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If the objective is to have a mobile robot rather than thinking a humanoid is the answer, a more conventional robot mounted on an autonomous mobile robot or an automated guided vehicle can be a more effective approach. (Image courtesy of FANUC America)