ABB Advocates for Automation Adoption in Auto Supply Chain: A Global Survey Insight

ABB Robotics, in collaboration with Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS), has commissioned a worldwide survey that underscores the pivotal role of automation in the automotive industry’s future. However, it reveals that many entities in the supply chain have yet to harness the potential of robotics and digitalization.

According to ABB, an overwhelming majority of respondents (97%) anticipate that automation and robotics will revolutionize the automotive industry within the next half-decade. Similarly, 96% foresee that software, digitalization, and data management will have an equivalent impact.

In terms of investment pace, the consensus is that new Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and start-ups are leading the way, with 38% investing ‘very well’ and 28% ‘quite well’. Legacy OEMs follow, with 31% perceived to be embracing automation ‘very well’.

However, the survey indicates a lag in the lower tiers of the supply chain, with only 7% of respondents believing that Tier 2 suppliers are investing adequately, and a mere 3% for Tier 3 suppliers.

Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line, stated, “Automation has traditionally been the domain of the largest manufacturers. However, ABB’s extensive portfolio, which includes collaborative robots (cobots), large industrial robots, and AI-powered Autonomous Mobile Robots, all driven by top-tier software solutions, can address the challenges faced by even the smallest producers. Automation can enhance the resilience, flexibility, and efficiency of smaller companies.”

The ABB survey collected a wide range of opinions from nearly 400 industry experts, including vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, management and engineering professionals, and other key figures in the automotive world.