For Industry 4.0 to succeed, manufacturing education must transform

As we step deeper into the early stages of Industry 4.0, a new industrial era defined by digital transformation and technological innovation is reshaping the landscape of manufacturing. These advancements are unlocking unprecedented opportunities for increased productivity, greater profitability, and more sustainable products and services. However, alongside these exciting developments, there’s growing concern among our Design and Manufacturing customers about the skills gap—specifically, the lack of workers who are adequately prepared for emerging technologies, software tools, and evolving workflows. At this critical juncture, many industry leaders are asking: *Where can we find these skilled workers, and what specific competencies do they need?* To address these pressing questions, Autodesk partnered with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) on a comprehensive research initiative that included an academic literature review, in-depth interviews, and surveys across the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Today, the *Future of Manufacturing* white paper report is released, offering valuable insights from both industry and academia. It outlines the future workflows and essential skills required for mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and CNC machinists over the next decade. Ashley Huderson, Ph.D., ASME’s director of engineering education and outreach, emphasized the importance of the study: “We had to ask ourselves and the field, what comes next? What will the jobs of the future look like, and what skills will be needed for them? Most importantly, how and who should we train for roles that don’t exist yet?”

Watch: Transforming Manufacturing Education

**Essential Changes to Three Roles in Industry 4.0** Over the next decade, the manufacturing sector will continue to evolve through digital transformation and the convergence of roles. While each role will develop differently, the research found widespread agreement on the growing importance of design for manufacturing (DfM), artificial intelligence, and machine learning (AI & ML) across all three positions. Notably, 90% of survey respondents believe that improving students’ DfM knowledge is the most impactful way for academia to prepare the future manufacturing workforce. Here’s a closer look at how each role is expected to change over the next five to ten years: **Mechanical Engineers** will play a more active role in manufacturing implementation and process optimization. They will work closely with production data to refine designs for better manufacturability, moving away from the traditional "throw it over the wall" approach. An impressive 80% of academics agree that skills in generative design will be crucial for this role. **Manufacturing Engineers** will become increasingly interdisciplinary, bridging the gap between mechanical engineers and CNC machinists. Their responsibilities will expand beyond traditional manufacturing processes to include managing global production systems, including robotic automation and additive manufacturing facilities. 72% of industry respondents expect human-robot interaction to rise, and 74% anticipate greater automation in this role. **CNC Machinists** will transition from operators to engineering technicians, taking on more programming and design-related tasks. This role is expected to undergo the most significant transformation, requiring new skills in AI/ML, five-axis machining, additive manufacturing, and hybrid systems. They will also need stronger collaboration with engineering teams and a deeper understanding of CAM software. **Collaboration Across Roles Is Key** Our research revealed strong consensus on the need for greater interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, as well as with machinists and external partners. This shift is driven by the necessity of adopting a system-level approach to product development. Over 65% of small-to-medium manufacturers believe collaboration between the three roles will increase significantly. This growing collaboration demands improved communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Cloud-based platforms that break down geographic barriers will enable more efficient teamwork across all three roles. **Transforming Education for the Future of Manufacturing** While the findings are compelling, they also highlight a growing gap between where the industry is heading and what is currently taught in academic institutions. With the push toward Industry 4.0, it's essential for education to keep pace with industry trends. As someone who once stood in front of a classroom, I understand the challenges educators face. Balancing foundational concepts with emerging technologies while meeting accreditation standards is no easy task. But the research uncovered some promising strategies. Respondents agreed that business leaders must support curriculum development and that hands-on, real-world experiences can reduce the time it takes to develop skilled talent. Educators should also integrate industry-recognized certifications for modern software and equipment. Notably, 86% of academics are open to reducing reliance on traditional degrees in favor of specialized certifications developed with industry input. Additionally, 84% of survey respondents believe that employers and academia should collaborate on new certification programs tailored to employer needs. And 91% support long-term internship and co-op opportunities to bridge the gap between education and employment. **Onward to Industry 4.0** Equipping the next generation with the right skills will not only benefit the manufacturing industry but also improve working conditions, enhance consumer experiences, and promote more sustainable practices that protect our planet. Together, we can help shape the future of manufacturing and prepare the next wave of innovators for the exciting roles ahead. **Head here to learn more about the Future of Manufacturing report**

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