For Industry 4.0 to succeed, manufacturing education must transform

As we embark on the initial phases of Industry 4.0, a new industrial epoch defined by digital transformation, technological advancements are opening up unprecedented opportunities for enhanced productivity, greater profitability, and the creation of more sustainable products and services. These innovations, while thrilling, are also sparking significant concerns among our Design and Manufacturing clientele about the shortage of skilled workers equipped to handle emerging technologies, sophisticated software tools, and evolving workflows. In this critical juncture, many industry leaders are pondering: *Where do we locate these workers, and what competencies must they possess?* To address these pressing inquiries, Autodesk and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) joined forces on an extensive research initiative that encompassed a thorough academic literature review, in-depth telephone interviews, and surveys involving participants from the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Today, the *Future of Manufacturing white paper report* presents viewpoints from both industry professionals and academia, aiding in identifying the necessary workflows and skill sets required for mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and CNC machinists over the coming decade. Dr. Ashley Huderson, ASME's director of engineering education and outreach, remarked: “We had to reflect deeply on what lies ahead. What are the future jobs and the competencies required for those roles? Most importantly, how and who do we train for positions that don't exist yet?” Embedded Content: [Autodesk - Transforming Manufacturing Education Video](http://bsg-i.nbxc.com/blog/8bb65c1905e1b566d45ca687bdfff9df.net/embed/iframe/qxhj5x4glb) ### Essential Shifts Across Three Key Roles in Industry 4.0 Over the next decade, the manufacturing sector will continue to experience substantial transformations through digital innovation and role integration. While the three roles we examined will evolve uniquely over time, our study revealed consensus among academia and industry regarding the increasing significance of design for manufacturing (DfM), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) across these roles. Remarkably, 90% of respondents concurred that fostering students' understanding and skills in DfM would be the most impactful way for academia to cultivate the future manufacturing workforce. Here are some anticipated changes in each role over the next five to ten years: **Mechanical engineers** will keep refining engineering designs and increasingly engage in manufacturing implementation, analyzing production data to enhance design for manufacturability. This means they’ll need practical knowledge throughout the manufacturing process; no longer just "throwing it over the wall." The survey indicated that 80% of academics agree that applying technologies like generative design will be a crucial skill set for this role. The **manufacturing engineer** position will grow even more interdisciplinary, blending skills with both mechanical engineers and CNC machinists. Their focus will broaden beyond manufacturing processes to overseeing overall production operations and analyzing globally distributed systems, including machining tools, robotic systems, and additive manufacturing facilities. Within the industry, 72% of respondents believe human-robotic interaction will rise, and 74% foresee increased automation for this role. **CNC machinists'** roles will transform significantly, transitioning from operators to engineering technicians who program CNC machines. Over time, they'll assume additional manufacturing engineering responsibilities. Among the three roles, this one is expected to change the most. Machinists will need to acquire new competencies in AI/ML for production, five-axis machines, additive manufacturing, and hybrid manufacturing. They will also be expected to collaborate more closely with engineering teams and engage more with upstream processes, including design, requiring deeper familiarity with CAM software. ### Interdisciplinary Collaboration is Vital Our research highlights widespread agreement on the necessity for greater cross-disciplinary collaboration among engineers, along with machinists and other external parties. This is largely driven by the essential need to adopt a system-level approach to product development. More than 65% of small-to-medium manufacturers believe collaboration between the three roles will intensify. This heightened collaboration will necessitate improved communication and group problem-solving as new workflows emerge and existing ones converge. Cloud-based collaboration platforms that transcend geographical barriers and unite teams in innovative ways will allow all three job functions to work more efficiently. [Image Description: A visual representation of collaborative efforts in manufacturing] ### Reshaping Education for the Future of Manufacturing While these insights are compelling, they also reveal the gap between where the industry is headed and the current scope of academic curricula. With business demands pushing manufacturing toward Industry 4.0, academia should align with these trends as swiftly as possible. As a former educator, I empathize with the complexity of this challenge. Prior to joining Autodesk, I served as a lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick, where I was responsible for curriculum development and teaching mechanical engineering. I witnessed firsthand the hurdles facing manufacturing education. Educators are tasked with equipping students for emerging technologies while still covering foundational concepts and meeting accreditation standards—all within the same timeframe. Fortunately, our research identified some promising developments and recommendations for educators. For instance, respondents agree on the need for business leaders to support the education sector in curriculum development. There is also shared interest in reducing 'time-to-talent' by incorporating real-world contexts and hands-on experiences. In addition to introducing new skills in the classroom, educators should allocate time for industry-recognized certifications for modern software, machinery, and workflows. Interestingly, 86% of surveyed academics favor less reliance on traditional degrees and welcome more specialized certifications developed in collaboration with industry. Moreover, 84% of all respondents believe employers and academia should jointly develop new certification programs tailored to employer needs. And 91% desire new opportunities for long-term internships and co-op programs. ### Moving Forward Toward Industry 4.0 The advantages of a workforce armed with valuable skills will benefit not only the manufacturing industry but also enhance conditions for workers, improve consumer experiences, and implement more sustainable practices to minimize harm to our planet. Together, we can empower the next generation for the exciting roles ahead in Industry 4.0. Quote: *"Click here to explore more about the Future of Manufacturing report."* This collaborative effort underscores the importance of staying adaptable and forward-thinking in the ever-evolving landscape of modern manufacturing.

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