Chicagos South Suburbs see the future of manufacturing as American and robotic [Video]

For decades, the Chicagoland area has played a pivotal role in American manufacturing capability. Unfortunately, the once-strong bastion of manufacturing and fabrication has lost much of its fervor following years of economic stagnation, outmigration, and a declining tax base.

However, as the global marketplace continues to evolve, American manufacturers must contend with an aging ownership base, greater competition, a more even playing field, and a severe labor shortage.

The technological revolution that has brought about artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning can play a quintessential role in reinforcing the once-great American manufacturing sector and transforming it into advanced manufacturing.

Using robotics and intelligent systems, manufacturers can retrofit their operations to be more productive with fewer available workers. Not only will specialized autonomous robots help operationally, but they could also be the product that drives international demand for “American-made.”

Initiatives such as the Metals HUB program, overseen by the Southland Development Authority (SDA), are examples of how …