A new global survey commissioned by ABB Robotics and conducted by Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) has concluded that while automation is considered critical to the future of the automotive industry, many companies in the supply chain have yet to take advantage of the benefits offered by robotics and digitalisation.

Almost all respondents (97%) believe that automation and robotics will transform the automotive industry over the next five years, with a similar number (96%) predicting that software, digitalisation, and data management will be equally significant. When asked about the pace of investment, most believed that new OEMs and start-ups were ‘well ahead of the curve’, investing either ‘very well’ (38%) or ‘quite well’ (28%); ‘legacy OEMs’ that were thought to be embracing automation ‘very well’ were rated by 31%. However, only 7% believed that tier two suppliers were making the necessary investment, with tier three suppliers further behind with only 3%.

Joerg Reger, the managing director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line, said: “Automation has traditionally been seen as the preserve of only the very largest manufacturers, but the reality is that ABB’s comprehensive portfolio, spanning everything from collaborative robots (cobots), large industrial robots, and AI-powered autonomous mobile robots — all powered by leading software solutions — can address the challenges faced by even the smallest producers. Automation can make smaller companies more resilient, flexible, and efficient.”

Daniel Harrison, an automotive analyst from AMS, added: “While both new and established manufacturers are making key investments, the essential upstream supply chain supporting them is not moving as quickly. This could prove problematic in terms of costs and the speed at which new and increasingly complex components for EVs and connected cars are delivered to the factory. Affordable and practical automation and robotics needs to be available to the entire industry.”