Can Automation Create Better Jobs to Help Solve Industry's Labor Shortage Crisis?

In this episode, we connect with Austin Levin, lead automation engineer with system integrator ACS, to explore how strategic automation deployment addresses manufacturing's labor shortage by eliminating dangerous, repetitive tasks while creating engaging roles that attract new workers while also retaining skilled workers.

David Greenfield, editor in chief

Feb. 3, 2026

Key Highlights

Collaborative robots handle repetitive tasks like welding and CNC machine tending, allowing workers to oversee multiple cells and develop broader skills, which improves job satisfaction and retention across industry with 400,000 unfilled positions.
Manufacturers prioritize automating ergonomically hazardous tasks to reduce workers' comp claims and workplace injuries, which deliver greater ROI than direct labor cost reductions while protecting their workforce.
Exposure to robotics, vision systems, and automation technologies makes manufacturing more appealing to younger workers who can engage with sophisticated systems at a professional level beyond hobbyist capabilities.