As robotics transforms the workplace, the demand for a robotic-environment and robotic-maintenance skilled workforce to be work-assisted by or maintain these systems has never been more critical.
However, as many (if not most) workplaces begin to adjust to an automated world, there is a too-great skills gap that must be corrected, or automation trends and the development of Industry 4.0 and human-robotic environments will be stifled.
The below explores the key skills gaps that exist in robotics today, ranging from technical proficiency to problem-solving, and offers some small insight into targeted training strategies that can help bridge these gaps. Ensuring that both workers and businesses remain competitive in an increasingly automated world can only happen when the team is equipped to achieve.
Filling the robotics and automation skills gap will be a generational change, as the required skills are socially normalized as base-line expectations, similar to literacy, numeracy and the ability to research. Source: David/Adobe Stock
Key skills needed in an evolving robotics landscape
The rapid and evolving advance of robotics technology rollout is altering the skills required to succeed in many jobs, both traditional and up to date. Skills that were rare and even academic are becoming more mundane and basic. To function well in the evolving robotics landscape, people need a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and above all, an adaptability that adjusts to the essentially dumb-but-predictable nature of automation.
Work with cobots: This is a key skill set that involves training on safe human-robot interaction, understanding the nature of programmed behavior, and how cobots integrate into workflows. Focus is on learning how to operate, troubleshoot, and optimize cobot performance, while fostering human-machine collaboration and adaptability in mixed human-automated environments.
Programming and user-software interfacing: For developers and advanced operators, some degree of proficiency in programming languages (Python, C++ and ROS (Robot Operating System)) is essential.
Automation and systems integration: Understanding how to integrate robots into complex production systems, including interfacing with sensors, networks and other machinery, is key for efficient automation. For those sharing operational spaces with robots/cobots, understanding instructional modes, user interfaces and robotic senses is key to safe interaction.
AI (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learning): With robotics increasingly functioning with independent decision making due to AI and ML, understanding data analytics and algorithm development are central to developing decision-making and adaptability in robots/cobots. This is a spectrum of understanding from deep manipulation skills in developers through to operational issues for co-workers.
Mechanical and electrical engineering: A solid grasp of mechanical systems, electronics and mechatronics is imperative for designing, maintaining and troubleshooting robotic hardware. Again, this represents a spectrum of skills from developer understanding through to the ability to identify failure points and operational issues for those operating alongside these systems.
Problem-solving and critical thinking: The ability to diagnose issues, think creatively and optimize processes ensures that robotics professionals can adapt to new challenges and improve system performance. These skills apply, to a varied degree, to all people who work with, among or developing robots/cobots.
Bridging the skills gap
The skills gaps in developing, maintaining and operating among robotic systems are as complex and varied as the individuals and the environments in which they operate. No two individuals' needs will ever be quite the same, but the typical range of needs in training and reskilling will be a product of their own developmental path to the point of need being defined, and the next steps along that path based on the job they are reskilling for.
Upskilling and reskilling programs
Types of staff upskilling programs for the various sectors of robot/cobot related work are wide ranging, from specific and task-oriented operational training, through skills update/redirection programs and up to graduate and post graduate engineering programs in local, national and internationally reputed institutions.
Vocational and technical schools, such as community and technical colleges offer practical experience programs focused on automation, robotics and mechatronics. These courses can range from operational matters through maintenance to programming and product development - varying both within and between institutions and geographies. Such establishments - both private and government run - typically provide locally and/or internationally recognized certifications in a spectrum of automation related skills and knowledge. It is common for local employers to be involved in establishing or steering courses so that real employment needs are met in a thorough preparation.
Industry-specific training programs from companies like FANUC, ABB and Universal Robots offer specialized certifications for various levels of operation, maintenance and programming their robots and cobots. Subjects such as operational (rather than system) programming, operator safety, and basic to advanced troubleshooting are typically offered to equipment purchasing clients to improve the embedding and utilization of a brand of machine within the client's environment. However, much of the skill acquired in such industry specific courses is generally applicable or at least foundational for other suppliers' equipment. This type of course is typically offered at the machine/system suppliers' premises and training centers or at authorized partner sites.
Online courses and E-learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer online courses in robotics programming, control systems and automation. They cover topics such as programming, automation systems and control systems, ranging from beginner to advanced, potentially featuring instruction in relevant programming languages like Python and C++. These platforms aim to provide flexibility and hands-on learning, making them ideal for professionals looking to upskill in robotics or cobot operations - however, they lack a direct practical component when it comes to actual hardware. Yet they are flexible and low cost, making them suitable for continuous learning as background upskill exercises and foundation preparation for more advanced study.
Apprenticeship programs are perhaps the most traditional approach to reskilling (or initial skilling). These are most relevant to younger learners, as they are often associated with a relatively low paid job. In partnership with industry training organizations, apprenticeship programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, offering real-world experience in operating and maintaining robotic systems. This type of training program is typically organized through an employer, under the auspices of;
ApprenticeshipUSA, managed by the U.S. Department of Labor. This program connects employers with apprenticeship opportunities, including those in automation and robotics fields. It supports the development of customized apprenticeship programs to meet industry needs.
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), which provides apprenticeship programs and certifications in advanced manufacturing, including robotics and automation, focusing on developing skilled technicians.
Automation Training & Certification (ATC), which offers industry-recognized apprenticeship programs and certifications across most aspects of automation and robotics. This is through partnerships with local educational institutions and businesses.
The Manufacturing Institute: Supports apprenticeships and workforce development in manufacturing, including robotics and automation, through its Creating IT Futures program.
University programs in subjects like mechanical engineering, software engineering, mechatronics, electronics and more can be undertaken at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level for those seeking the deeper knowledge and the widest understanding. Universities provide advanced degrees and research programs focusing on developing high-level expertise in designing and programming robotic systems.
Soft skills in robotics
Robotics and automated system applications are expanding exponentially into areas like patient care, the hospitality and service sector, and general support tasks for public and general population environments. This makes robots/cobots everyday tools that an increasing range of jobs will have to interact with or use in everyday tasks.
For this reason, soft skills are becoming just as important as - and more commonly needed than - technical expertise. Robots are increasingly interacting with humans in essentially very ‘ordinary’ roles where they substitute for human activity, requiring workers to develop practical soft skills:
Communication: Workers need to effectively communicate with both robots and humans, often acting as the ambassador/interface for an automated system in its dealings with clients. In patient care, for example, the ability to understand and convey complex information between robots and patients is vital for ensuring safe and effective service.
Empathy and emotional intelligence: In sectors like healthcare, robots assist increasingly in rehabilitation and elder care. Operators must be able to show real empathy and lack of rush to understand patient needs and gently handle interactions that promote trust and comfort. It is common for clients to be experiencing their first AI machine interactions and these can bring delicate moments where the service can instantly and perhaps irreversibly become untenable. Knowing this and steering the interaction is not a minor task and it requires real kindness, firmness and patience.
Problem-solving: Robotics in the service and support sectors require adaptability from their humans, as they have little of their own (for now). Being able to troubleshoot unexpected scenarios and collaborate with the equipment's user interface tools to resolve issues efficiently, through teamwork is a valuable capability. Understanding that the cobot is both part of the team AND a tool is the start for this.
Adaptability: Robotics require predictable and controlled environments to operate in, with adaptability being a feature of the higher functioning end of the technology spectrum. Humans must adapt to new technology and be the flexible partner in such working relationships, to get the best out of their cobot helpers. Constraining and simplifying workflows, and robot interactions in industries like healthcare and hospitality is key to making use of these tools in low disruption ways.
These soft skills are crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of robotics in human-centric environments.
Conclusion
While the skills gap in the general workforce remains large but the uptake of automation and robotics is as yet limited, the recruitment task is one of finding capability and improving specialized functional knowledge through training.
The increased use of robotics in everyday roles is inevitably creating a generation for whom this is normalized and in whom the skills are becoming intrinsic and essentially commonplace, by stages.
Upskilling and training are the necessary transition steps to help build the environment that is robot-attuned and work-ready.
