The automotive manufacturing process is one of the most competitive and rigorous. Assembly plants move incredibly fast and there is immense pressure on the labor force to get things done quickly, and most importantly, accurately. Efficiency gains are essential to improve metrics and increase output. Over the past decade, numerous manufacturers have transitioned to automated technologies – implementing complex robots to replace human workers. However, the trend is now reversing. Brands like Mercedes-Benz have started “firing” robots and replacing them with human operators, largely for greater flexibility.
