Industry 4.0: A New Age of Manufacturing
Industry 4.0 will usher in a new age of manufacturing with automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) acting as foundational technologies. However, the skills needed for these careers differ greatly from the skills needed today. There will be a substantial demand for “adaptive skills”, including complex problem-solving skills used to solve novel, ill-defined problems, and systems skills to allow workers to understand, monitor, and improve systems.
The U.S. is facing a historic skills gap – pending retirements combined with a lack of trained new workers in the pipeline could leave millions of manufacturing jobs unfilled in the coming years. This presents a significant threat to our nation’s security and resiliency. The key to navigating this gap and setting up manufacturers for the future? Collaboration.
The ARM Institute takes a comprehensive approach to preparing the workforce to work with robotics, automation, AI, and other Industry 4.0 technologies. Our members collaborate to identify, develop, and set the direction for the current and future competencies and job definitions required for robotics roles in manufacturing. Through our national workforce resource, we demystify robotics careers in manufacturing, make training and jobs more accessible, endorse the nation’s most effective robotics training programs, and connect manufacturers with trained individuals.
Get the Facts About the Impact of Robotics on Jobs
ARM Institute-Funded Education & Workforce Development Projects
Working with our members, we have catalyzed impactful workforce projects, ranging from apprenticeship programs that target veterans and underrepresented populations to manufacturing robotics training aimed at attracting younger generations to manufacturing careers. ARM Institute-funded Education & Workforce Development Projects aim to the size, diversity, and skills of the US manufacturing workforce in preparation to work with emerging robotics, automation, and AI technologies.
RoboticsCareer.org Supports U.S. Manufacturing
Launched in May 2021 and funded through support from the Department of Defense, RoboticsCareer.org is a national workforce capability powered by the ARM Institute. Millions of manufacturing jobs are at risk of going unfilled in the coming years due to a historic skills gap. RoboticsCareer.org brings much needed awareness to these roles, the skills needed, the importance of these jobs, and more to support students and workers at each stage of their career.
Education & Job Seekers
Individuals of all experience levels can match to training programs, jobs, and internships that match their unique goals.
Education & Training Programs
RoboticsCareer.org provides needed awareness for training programs for robotics careers in manufacturing. From micro-credentials to PhD programs, RoboticsCareer.org highlights training from across the nation. Reach students by listing your program for free today.
Manufacturers & Employers
Grow and empower your workforce. Grow your workforce by posting your open jobs and exploring our talent database. Search for training programs to upskill your workers.
Manufacturing Careers Working with Robotics
Understand the Types of Robotics Jobs in Manufacturing
Robotics training programs, jobs, and internships listed on RoboticsCareer.org align with the ARM Institute’s defined robotics career paths and the skills needed for these careers. These careers, descriptions, and associated skills have been validated through the ARM Institute’s collaboration with industry, government, and academia.
Entry Level Jobs: Operate & Repair
Entry-level robotics roles focus on the day-to-day operation and maintenance of robots on the manufacturing floor. Many current manufacturing workers can easily adapt to this role when provided adequate training. Job titles under this level can include Robotics Technician, Robotics Operator, and others.
Mid-Level Roles: Program
Mid-level roles feature workers who are subject matter experts on robotic systems on the manufacturing floor and are responsible for proposing upgrades to the systems that can increase productivity. These positions require more robotics training than the entry-level roles. Job titles within this level can include: Robotics Specialist, Robotics Engineer, and others.
Experienced Roles: Plan
Experienced roles feature workers who understand how applying robotics to the manufacturing floor benefits their operations and will evaluate, design, and implement plans for areas ripe for automation. Job titles under this role may include Robotics Integrator, Robotics Application Development Engineer, and others.
ARM Endorsement
Recognizing Top Tier Training Programs
The ARM Endorsement program was created and conceptualized through the ARM Institute’s 300+ member national consortium, giving equal voice to the need of manufacturers, education providers, and government stakeholders. The Endorsement program is a rigorous evaluation process at the program level using the following criteria:
- Relevance to the Industry
- Effective Curriculum
- Efficiency of the Training
- Impact of the Program
- Program Sustainability
- Transportability
Endorsed programs receive priority listing on RoboticsCareer.org. Find a list of Endorsed Programs here.