The shift in manufacturing: Labour crisis, demographics & automation
- louisegoldsmith1
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The global manufacturing landscape is under profound strain. Once reliable pipelines of skilled labour are ceasing, and demographic pressures are exacerbating the risks for continuity, productivity, and competitiveness.
Surveys show that around 75% of employers report difficulty filling open jobs, making labour shortages a top concern. In some sectors, as many as 45% of roles remain unfilled, particularly in manufacturing and high-demand technical roles.
Meanwhile, a significant share of the workforce is nearing retirement: across various countries, with around 20% of workers over 55 in the UK alone, shrinking the pool of experienced talent.
These pressures form a problem for industry. Declining labour supply, rising demand for advanced skills, and a shrinking buffer of experienced personnel to mentor new generations.
And this gap is threatening growth. The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte project that 3.8 million new manufacturing roles may open by 2033, with many unlikely to be filled without intervention. Analysts also warn of a 1.9 million-worker shortfall in the sector if the “talent gap” isn’t addressed.
This labour challenge isn’t a temporary hiccup. It is accelerating.
Why robotics (and smart automation) are essential
Given this backdrop, robotics and intelligent automation are rising from “nice-to-have” to “must-have” for manufacturers aiming to stay resilient, competitive, and flexible.
One misconception is that robotics will simply displace workers. The more accurate view is that robotics can amplify the reach and effectiveness of human talent.
In particular, this can apply to teleoperation and remote control. Expertise can be centralised or remote, allowing skilled operators to control robotics across multiple sites. Robots can also perform repetitive and high-precision tasks like material handling and welding, whilst humans can handle the decision making and management, reducing the burden on human labour. And as senior workers move toward retirement, robots can help bridge the knowledge gap.
At Extend Robotics, we believe the future of manufacturing lies in a collaborative approach. Our systems empower human operators to remotely and intuitively manipulate robotic hands, machines, or tools, with high precision, from anywhere.
Companies can deploy Extend Robotic’s teleoperation platforms to get skilled output without waiting months to hire or train onsite and upskill employees to work alongside the robots, gradually internalising procedures, aided by guided playback, haptic cues, and feedback loops. Tasks in hazardous or extreme environments become safer. Maintenance in hard-to-access zones can be done remotely, reducing downtime and risk. And companies that adopt robotics now will position themselves to attract younger workers interested in tech-forward careers, rather than simply manual roles.
The labour challenges in manufacturing are severe, and intensifying. But they also represent a turning point. Organisations that lean into robotics and smart automation aren’t just surviving, many will leap ahead.
For Extend Robotics, the mission is clear: build systems that extend human capability, scale expertise, and help manufacturers navigate the next decade with confidence.
Find out more about our solutions and get a demo of our software here.
