# Amplifiers of the workforce: The future of robots in manufacturing w/ Ryan Lillibridge

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2021-04-06
- Length: 24m
- Episode: 43
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-04-06-amplifiers-of-the-workforce-the-future-of-robots-in-manufacturing-w-ryan-lillibr
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-c82a9e16-d785-4e9c-9e13-737233e623bc

## Summary

Ryan Lillibridge, Director of Business Development at Mission Design & Automation, discusses the evolution of robotics in manufacturing, emphasizing that robots act as 'amplifiers' for the workforce rather than job replacements. He explains how advancements in cobots, vision systems, and soft robotics are addressing labor shortages and allowing for flexible, high-mix production. Lillibridge highlights the shift from traditional high-volume industrial robots to adaptable collaborative robots that can be redeployed across different applications and shifts.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-04-06-amplifiers-of-the-workforce-the-future-of-robots-in-manufacturing-w-ryan-lillibr#t=0) Introduction and Robotics Evolution
- [7:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-04-06-amplifiers-of-the-workforce-the-future-of-robots-in-manufacturing-w-ryan-lillibr#t=420) Evaluating Automation and ROI
- [11:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-04-06-amplifiers-of-the-workforce-the-future-of-robots-in-manufacturing-w-ryan-lillibr#t=708) Labor Shortages and Pandemic Impact
- [17:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-04-06-amplifiers-of-the-workforce-the-future-of-robots-in-manufacturing-w-ryan-lillibr#t=1051) The Role and Advancement of Cobots
- [20:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-04-06-amplifiers-of-the-workforce-the-future-of-robots-in-manufacturing-w-ryan-lillibr#t=1219) Safety, Flexibility, and Future Outlook

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Mission Design & Automation (company)
- Unimate (product)
- Tesla (company)
- Boston Dynamics (company)
- Fanuc (company)
- Phoenix CRX (product)
- Festo (company)
- Midwest Automation Supplies (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [BONUS: 3 Automation and Workforce Trends Impacting Manufacturers in 2025](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-12-31-bonus-3-automation-and-workforce-trends-impacting-manufacturers-in-2025) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Using Robots in Machine Shops, 3D Printing, and Beyond with KUKA's Nate Brazelle](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-08-30-using-robots-in-machine-shops-3d-printing-and-beyond-with-kukas-nate-brazelle) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Cobots, Hollywood, and New Applications for Robotics with FANUC America's Jerry Perez](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-06-14-cobots-hollywood-and-new-applications-for-robotics-with-fanuc-americas-jerry-per) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Driving the transformation of the robotics industry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-08-16-driving-the-transformation-of-the-robotics-industry) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [BONUS: A Look Inside the 2022 A3 Business Forum](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-02-22-bonus-a-look-inside-the-2022-a3-business-forum) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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