Manufacturing automation is a hot topic as artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies make it easier than ever for plants to address a growing skill gap, ever-rising demand and higher costs. Automation seems like the magic wand to wave at these issues, but only 20% of manufacturers can scale it. And it’s not for a lack of interest. Most manufacturers are reportedly investigating automation, whether it’s looking at vendors or running the numbers on how automating certain tasks can save them money. According to Redwood Software’s Manufacturing AI and Automation Outlook 2026 report, 98% of manufacturers are exploring or considering AI-driven automation. Only 20% of those manufacturers are actually prepared to scale it. Intrinsic‘s chief technology officer Brian Gerkey recently told The Neuron Daily’s podcast that robots will simply not work in most factories. Intrinsic, a robotics software firm, was recently folded into Google. Brian Gerkey “In the U.S., something like 80% of manufacturing facilities, if you just count them, have no automation at all. The hardware is willing, and the software is weak,” Gerkey told the Neuron: AI Explained podcast. “The hardware is willing, and the software is weak.” Brian Gerkey, CTO of Intrinsic How can manufacturers automate? Yet automation is an inevitability for most manufacturers. When I interviewed Rick Faulk, chief executive officer of Locus Robotics and James Taylor, chief commercial officer with OnRobot last year, they both agreed that even small- and medium sized plants can automate some tasks. Because no matter what, worker shortages, customer expectations…
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