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Technology is evolving at a rapid rate and efficiency savings can be made through the use of new and emerging technology in manufacturing processes. This improves quality and speed of making while maintaining customer satisfaction. These efficiency savings can be passed onto the consumer through lower retails prices.

Automation

Automation has been developing in factories since the Industrial Revolution, with machinery being used to complete tasks previously done by humans. Automated machines are programmed to carry out a procedure multiple times, eg repeatedly creating the shape of a car door using a press, to improve production time. The cost of setting up machinery is high but, when they are operating, less waste is produced and running costs are lower. This is due to accuracy and scale of automated manufacturing.

Robotics

The use of robots is just one part of automation. The difference between robotics and automation is that robots use artificial intelligence (AI) to collect information and improve the performance of a particular procedure. Robotics has proven popular because of their ability to increase efficiency and handle harmful materials that humans can't, but they are very expensive. Robots and robotic technology is constantly changing and improving, which can lead to jobs that were previously performed by low-skilled workers being replaced by robots or robotic technology. However, new jobs can also be created due to this new technology.

Because automation and the introduction of robotics can lead to low-skilled jobs being made redundant - this can lead to unemployment for some. As a result of redundancy, these workers may move cities or even countries to find employment. The movement of workers is known as demographics movement and can help labour shortages be filled, but it can also lead to the loss of people who are highly skilled.

With new and emerging technologies comes the need for employers to ensure their employees trained and their skills are up-to-date. This is known as workforce skill set. A workforce can range between low, medium and high skill levels. Many medium and high-level skilled employees associated with robotic employment need constant training in order to keep up with changes.

Science and technology parks are now commonplace in many countries, including the United Kingdom. They support businesses and research centres, like universities, and encourage collaboration, which can lead to faster technology development and, as such, faster product delivery to market.