Automotives to Pharma: Industries Fueled by Automation
According to Fortune, Goldman Sachs analysts project that “increased automation will be the most likely driver of a manufacturing productivity boost.” While adoption is still a work in progress, there are several industries taking advantage of the benefits that come with automation.
Automotives
The automotive industry is one of the top adopters of automation. A key benefit of integrating technology within this industry has been a reduction in cost. As Automotive News summarizes, labor costs make up 65-70% of total manufacturing expenses in automotives. With automation, however, companies can reduce operator hours. In turn, the cost percentage decreases. On top of that, automation has the ability to enhance the assembly process, which reduces waste and shifts the type of material needs.
Pharma
Automation is also transforming the pharmaceutical industry, particularly device production. For instance, Eli Lilly is investing in a facility “which leverages a mix of high-speed lines, automation and robotics to assemble prefilled syringes into autoinjectors,” as Fierce Pharma reports. Additionally, the facility includes automated guided vehicles integrated to transport materials and a completely automated warehouse. Collectively, each of these elements streamlines the entire output of the site.
Welding and More
Beyond specific industries, automation is impacting specific processes as well. As Robotics & Automation News explains, of the 590,000 robotic units installed in 2024, many have been used to carry out tasks related to welding, precision cutting, and handling. By automating these tasks, operators can ensure consistency, increase speed, and improve safety.
Sources:
● “Goldman Sachs warns tariffs won’t help the U.S. boost manufacturing productivity as tech in American factories continues to lag” - Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune
https://fortune.com/2025/06/28/goldman-sachs-tariffs-ai-manufacturing-productivity/
● “Man vs. machine: How automation in automotive manufacturing is addressing modern labor challenges” - Stanley, Automotive News
● “Automation, robots and local talent guide the way at Lilly's new $2B-plus North Carolina injectables plant” - Fraiser Kansteiner, Fierce Pharma