{"id":1457,"date":"2024-05-21T08:24:43","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T07:24:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/knowledgepoint.com\/autodesk\/?p=1457"},"modified":"2024-05-21T08:24:47","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T07:24:47","slug":"skilling-today-for-the-factories-of-today-and-tomorrow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/knowledgepoint.com\/autodesk\/skilling-today-for-the-factories-of-today-and-tomorrow\/","title":{"rendered":"Skilling today for the factories of today and tomorrow"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Innovation. Technology. Robotics. Data. Design.\u00a0Some big-ticket items for manufacturing. They\u2019re all front of mind when I think about factories of the future.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Terms like \u201csmart factory,\u201d \u201cindustrial internet of things\u201d (IIoT), and \u201cIndustry 4.0\u201d have entered everyday manufacturing discourse. Devices and machines are increasingly interconnected so they can share information and communicate with each other. With these advances in technology, the shop floor can be directly connected with decision makers, and production data can be collected and analysed in real time.  They enable timely operational improvements and better-informed decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ground-breaking developments in automation and robotics are here \u2013 and more are coming down the line. Such technologies incorporate advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) and other capabilities which allow them to perform tasks with high levels of efficiency.\u00a0They help to increase overall productivity for manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these developments get me pondering about the jobs in these factories of the future.\u00a0In turn, I think about skills (I would, wouldn\u2019t I?) \u2013 needs are shifting, and are going to have to shift even more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The future of skills across the sector is not just about filling today’s needs; there\u2019s a need to (re)evaluate the work and prepare the workforce of tomorrow.\u00a0But to the point about filling today\u2019s needs, there\u2019s a gap to fill already.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Robotics in manufacturing are often used takes on highly repetitive jobs or tasks that are less appealing for human labour because they are higher risk.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We need people with the right skills<\/strong> to work alongside these robots.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Autodesk\u2019s latest Design & Make report<\/em>, business leaders and experts are bullish on artificial intelligence. Companies are uncovering valuable, industry-specific AI applications – with uses ranging from automated transcription of meeting minutes to assistance laying out factory floors. In the future, leaders and experts predict that generative AI will increasingly help human workers to make crucial design decisions about physical products, buildings, and digital assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We need people with the right skills to get the most out of AI.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In today’s interconnected world, manufacturing operates in a complex ecosystem where data reigns supreme. From supply chain management to predictive maintenance, data literacy enables seamless integration and optimisation across the value chain. The digital transformation of manufacturing transcends geographical boundaries. In a global economy, companies operate in a networked environment where collaboration knows no borders. Connectivity and agility enable collaboration with suppliers halfway across the globe or servicing clients on distant shores<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We need<\/strong> people who are digitally literate<\/strong> and can interpret what data are telling us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it’s designing and making intricate components for aerospace engineering or crafting elegant consumer goods, companies are increasingly aware of their environmental responsibilities. They\u2019re making investments in energy efficiency, materials reduction and more sustainable processes that are better for both the environment and the bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We need people who can design for a green economy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The changing face of manufacturing demands a paradigm shift in our approach to workforce planning and skills development. Core digital literacy and proficiency in key digital skills are critical for the success of manufacturers around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, the digital divide threatens to amplify existing disparities, leaving behind those who lack access to education and resources. Bridging this gap requires a concerted effort from governments, industries, and educational institutions to open-up access to learning opportunities and equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re in the business of skilling and education, so like to think we\u2019re playing our part with closing the skills gap \u2013 as well as gearing up for the factories of the future, today.\u00a0We\u2019re constantly looking for exciting ways to support the next generation of designers and manufacturers to develop digital skills they need (and businesses crave).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why we\u2019re now accepting entries from teams of students for Designathon 2024<\/strong>.\u00a0Our Designathon has a dual purpose.\u00a0Day one sees students boost their digital design skills, learning about the Autodesk Fusion platform and its key workflows.\u00a0Then on day two, they work in teams to respond to a challenge, putting their new skills to the test.\u00a0They work together, they collaborate \u2013 and they compete for prizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Designathon 2024: Designing a green tomorrow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In a world where mastery of design software has become non-negotiable, platforms such as Autodesk Fusion have emerged as indispensable assets.\u00a0Designathon 2024 offers student teams the opportunity to learn how smart design can play a part in the transition towards a more sustainable future.\u00a0They get to showcase their creativity and design skills in crafting concepts for a better world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n