Automation’s Impact on the Workforce

How Does Automation Affect Workers?

For decades, industries have counted on automation to grow and thrive. Automation systems help businesses boost output, raise product quality, cut lead times, minimize material waste, and increase productivity—ultimately driving profitability. At the same time, some people worry that these gains might come at workers’ expense.

However, automation doesn’t replace workers—it reshapes jobs and sparks new opportunities, while also creating safer, more diverse work environments.

Automation Makes Work Safer

Manufacturers deploy robots to tackle tasks that expose humans to hazardous chemicals or dangerous machinery. As a result, they protect employees and reduce workplace injuries—exactly what OSHA aimed to achieve back in 1970. In addition, safer workplaces improve morale and retention, which benefits both employees and employers.

Automation Helps Shorten Workweeks

Automated factories can run 24/7 without hiring extra staff or asking employees to work overtime. Because of this, companies can achieve higher output without overburdening workers. Whereas the average workweek once hovered around 70 hours, mechanization and automation have helped reduce it to about 40 hours. Therefore, workers now enjoy improved work-life balance—even as productivity increases.

Automation Expands Training & Career Paths

With automation, workers learn to operate multi-functional equipment instead of being restricted to a single task. This flexibility lets them move across production roles and branch into areas like troubleshooting, data analysis, and production management—broadening their skills and career options.

Automation Powers Better Business Operations

In many factories, “automation” means robotics—but in reality, it extends far beyond. Automation software, for example, streamlines hiring, simplifies customer service, manages advertising campaigns, and boosts operational efficiency across multiple functions. As technology evolves, automation will only become more ingrained in daily processes.

How PF Technologies Leverages Automation

PF Technologies excels at using robotics to enhance coating and decoration for plastic, metal, and glass components. Our team helps with everything—from design and troubleshooting to substrate prep and precision coating. We deploy robotic work cells that apply coatings with exact dry-film thickness and consistent color and gloss. Our systems collect thickness data for tight control across parts and batches, eliminating color mismatch—even when multiple pieces must fit together perfectly.