Why is Manufacturing Important?

Although manufacturing accounts for only 12 percent of the U.S. economy, it has exponential and widespread impacts across the economy, societies, and humanity.

Throughout history, manufacturing has improved quality of life, enabled the growth of human populations and societies, and drives innovation through the efficient mass production of materials.  

History of Manufacturing 

While manufacturing may be associated with high-tech facilities and modern methods such as Lean, Six Sigma, and JIT, it actually began long before the emergence of Homo Sapiens. 

PREHISTORY AND ANCIENT HISTORY 

Stone tool making, also known as the “Oldowan Industry”, is at least 2.3 million years old. The manufacturing of stone tools was partially responsible for human evolution as a result of hunter-gatherer lifestyles.  

The manufacturing of stone tools optimized over many eons. Though little is known about production over that period, archaeologists found the longest-producing manufacturing site in Africa. At the site, stones were processed on a ten-kilometer stretch between two mountains for around a million years.  

Specialization and the division of labor began to emerge in toolmaking during the Neolithic age (70,000 BCE) and more advanced tooling occurred as early as 35,000 BCE. 

In ancient times, Greek philosopher Xenophon observed division of labor.  

 “In a small city the same man has to build beds, chairs, ploughs and tables and often even to build houses. […] But in the big cities [an artisan will get] his living merely by stitching shoes, another by cutting them out, a third by shaping the upper leathers, and a fourth will do nothing but fit the parts together.” 

The division of labor that Xenophon observed in large cities allowed ancients to produce goods faster, better, and cheaper.  

Manufacturing first began to loosely resemble modern processes during the Stone age (6,000 BCE), where Neolithic people manufactured pottery. The pottery technology, which produced high temperature kilns, is believed to led to advances in copper smelting.  

By adding and smelting elements such as arsenic with copper ore deposits, ancient craftsmen engineered arsenical bronze. The Bronze age saw a transition from stone to metal, which was stronger and easier to shape. Similarly, the Iron Age saw widespread weapon and tool manufacturing using iron.  

Ancient civilizations innovated and mass produced new technologies including the wheel and axel in and the six classic simple machines Mesopotamia,  as well as Egyptian papyrus and pottery in the Mediterranean basin.

MEDIEVAL AND EARLY MODERN 

In the 1960s through 1830s, the Industrial Revolution transitioned to new European and U.S. manufacturing processes. The manufacturing process transformed from hand made production to machine production powered by steam and water power. Additionally, machine tools and mechanized factory systems developed and the first industry to trial modern production methods was textiles.  

After a decade-long economic recession followed by a few decades of technological innovation outside manufacturing, the Second Industrial Revolution in 1870 saw the emergence of modern manufacturing practices. Innovations included mass production, assembly lines, and electrical grids.  

MODERN MANUFACTURING

The manufacturing industry gradually transitioned to modern practices in the 1890s as electricity became more practical and cost-efficient. As a result, many factories experienced a 30 percent increase in output.  

Mass modern production became more attainable and consumer goods became widely available in the first two decades of the 20th century. Mass production was popularized by Henry Ford’s Ford Motor Company, which introduced sequential (or assembly line) production.  

Toyota similarly innovated in the 1930s, when the car manufacturer developed lean manufacturing practices. Also known as ‘just-in-time’ manufacturing, the process reduced production and response times from suppliers.  

Impacts of Manufacturing  

Over the last two decades, China’s emergence as a global manufacturing leader has challenged domestic manufacturing bases.  

As the deindustrialization of developed nations occurred (and continues to progress) as a result of outsourcing manufacturing offshore, employment shifted to the services sector. Many analysts believe that manufacturing is essential and raise concerns about the loss of domestic manufacturing.  

Economies reap numerous benefits as a result of manufacturing including:  

• Economic growth is dependent upon manufacturing. In the United States, manufacturing productivity increases 3 percent each year as a direct result of technical innovation. In comparison, service industries report very slow growth because innovation is limited.  

• Because we have reached a point where machines can build, engineer, and maintain other machines, automation in the manufacturing industries leads to exponential economic and technological growth.  

• National power is also related to manufacturing productivity, which is used to generate wealth as well as military supplies and equipment. Consider that in the last 100 years, four to five of the most powerful countries have controlled three quarters of global machinery production. Some experts postulate that in the absence of manufacturing power imbalances, global power would also be balanced and result in fewer wars.  

• Trade relies heavily on manufacturing since goods constitute 80 percent of interregional trade, according to the World Trade Organization. Globally, countries who aren’t able to trade with other countries create large trade deficits and a reliance on other nations. Trade deficits eventually impact the value of national currency, which has trickle down effects on the cost of imported consumer goods.  

• Although the service industry represents the majority of global economies, manufactured goods are required to provide services. For example the business model for retail and warehousing industries (which constitute 11 percent of gross national product) revolves around selling manufactured goods. Airlines, utilities, and software companies rely on airplanes, telephone lines, and computer hardware.  

• Manufacturing jobs create more jobs. The Economic Policy Institute in the U.S. reports that every single manufacturing job creates three other jobs because wages are spent in other parts of the economy. Moreover, manufacturing creates middle class jobs and reduces poverty. Many manufacturing jobs are unionized, giving employees collective bargaining power.  

The U.S. is one of the most innovative economies, consistently developing disruptive technology. Interest in domestic manufacturing within the U.S. is seeing a resurgence as a result of programs and initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the industry.

Industry and government leaders recognize the astounding benefits and advantages that come with a manufacturing economy. History provides assurances that investments in manufacturing innovation produce large dividends, if the American culture can rise to the challenge.  

MANUFACTURE EFFICIENTLY WITH NRTC AUTOMATION

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you meet your production goals.

Top 3 Modern Innovations in Industrial Automation

Industrial automation is constantly changing and adapting to our needs with landmark innovations. 

Comparing early industrial robots to automation of today is a direct representation of how quickly technology has developed in the past few decades. 

As a result, manufacturing has changed drastically across all industries. Advanced automation and software have made success available to more manufacturers around the globe. 

Learn more about the history of industrial automation and some of the top modern innovations today. 

Top 3 modern innovations in industrial automation 

How long has industrial automation been around? 

Forms of industrial automation have been around for centuries. For example, in 1856, the two-horse straddle row cultivator was patented, a device that made the back-breaking work of turning soil much easier for farmers. 

Industrial automation has a long history of helping humans make work simpler and more efficient.

In the 1960s, an invention was brought to the market that would change the face of manufacturing forever. 

Unimate, the first industrial robot, was patented in 1961 by the late George Devol. With a simple arm and controller design, hundreds of Unimate models performed diecasting applications on General Motors production lines. 

Modern day industrial automation 

One invention led to another, and now we have several top name robot brands, such as KUKA, ABB, and FANUC.  

These companies are consistently producing new models with cutting-edge technology. Changes include software, end of arm tooling material, robotic vision, artificial intelligence, design, and more. 

While each industrial robotics company is unique, they all have the common goal of making manufacturing as lean, efficient, and safe as possible. 

Plus, robotic work cells make it even easier for manufacturers to automate without having to piece together the parts.  

NRTC Automation can design, build, and engineer a custom work cell to suit your production needs. Learn more about our Automation Services here, and check out our YouTube video below! 

Top 3 modern innovations 

There is a plethora of fascinating developments in robotics today. NRTC Automation lists three of them below. 

1. COBOTS 

Collaborative robots, or cobots for short, are named for their collaboration with human workers.  

Industrial robots can be dangerous to work with due to their heavy weights and movements, but cobots are specifically designed to safely work with humans on repetitive and monotonous tasks. 

Cobots achieve this with advanced software that make them highly sensitive to humans working nearby. 

2. BUILD-YOUR-OWN ROBOT 

Now, you can build your own fully functional robot with a kit produced by Professor Neil Gershenfeld and researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

Inspired by the 20 amino acids that make up all living beings, Gershenfeld created a kit composed of only five parts: rigid and flexible components, a coil, electromagnetic parts, and a magnet. 

Gershenfeld and his team are now working on developing a manufacturing robot kit that technicians and other production staff can assemble and disassemble with ease. 

3. ADVANCED GRIPPING SENSORS 

Watching a robot handle an egg with gentle care is a sight to behold. 

With soft “fingers” and advancing gripping technology, these robots can pick up and place a raw egg without cracking the shell. 

The food manufacturing industry benefits from these sensors since breaking certain foods like pretzels, chips, and other fragile foods can severely affect production output. 

Meet your production goals with NRTC Automation 

NRTC Automation can help you create a fully customized work cell for your unique production line. We use refurbished robots and equipment so manufacturers of any size can afford to automate their facilities. 

Learn more by visiting our website or give us a call at (888) 990-7606. 

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.  

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

Click the button below to schedule a free consultation with our automation experts. 

Unimate: The OG Industrial Robot

The first industrial robot opened the doors to a world of automation. 

Our world has completely changed in less than a century. 

Technology has made life easier in many ways. From cars to phones to elevators, daily life looks very different compared to the early 20th century. 

Industrial automation is no different. Because of the Unimate, technology has made its way into manufacturing. 

Learn more about the Unimate and how you can automate your facility with modern-day robots below! 

Unimate, the first industrial robot in history 

What is the Unimate? 

The Unimate is the first industrial robot ever created in history. Its inventor, Geroge Devol, patented the Unimate in a small Connecticut town in 1961. Similar to the industrial robots of today, it had a single arm designed for repetitive tasks. The arm weighed an impressive 4,000 pounds. 

The automation industry was the first to adopt the Unimate for metalworking and welding. 

History of the George Devol and the Unimate 

Devol drastically changed the way manufacturing processed and produced with his invention. 

Devol was born in Louisville, Kentucky on February 20, 1912. He was 9 years old when the word “robot” first appeared, and, supported by a wealthy background and an interest in electricity and machines, he started building the knowledge needed to invent the Unimate. 

Rather than going to college, Devol decided to start his own company. His first invention was the automatic door, or the “Phantom Doorman.” 

Several years later, after World War II, Devol and his Unimation Corp. company developed a machine called the Programmed Article Transfer, which slowly evolved into a robot: the Unimate. 

General Motors adopted the robot on their production lines in Trenton, New Jersey. 

Devol continued to bring technology to life over the course of his career. He passed away at 99 years old on August 11, 2011. 

How the Unimate changed the world of manufacturing 

Thanks to Devol, the Unimate opened the doors for revolution in manufacturing. Industrial robots have been refined and expanded upon since the Unimate’s creation so that manufacturers of any industry can automate their facilities. 

The industrial robots of today have far more applications compared to the Unimate’s limited offerings, including but not limited to: 

• Material handling 

• Painting 

• Machine tending 

• Picking and palletizing 

• Gluing, sealing, and spraying 

• Waterjet cutting 

• Assembly 

Additionally, robots have made their way out of manufacturing and into other industries such as medicine. Surgeons use robots to assist with very delicate surgeries, such as head and neck or heart surgeries.  

Additionally, hygienic robots have made a breakthrough during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to keep hospitals, airports, and warehouses clean. 

Because of the Unimate, the possibilities are endless for automation to create a brighter, cleaner, more productive future. 

How to automate your facility 

Are you new to automation, but you feel intimidated by all the options? 

Don’t fret! NRTC Automation and our sister company, iGAM, are here to help. 

NRTC can build a custom work cell to specifically for your production needs. We will design, build, engineer, and install the robotic work cell for you so all you need to do is turn it on! 

With NRTC, automation is simple. We offer financing so you can automate no matter what size or phase you are in. Visit our Financing page to learn more. 

iGAM offers standalone industrial robots as well. With top name brands like KUKA, FANUC, and ABB, you can be sure that your production line will be more efficient while reducing downtime on the warehouse floor. 

Friendly iGAM Specialists are available to help you find what you need, including robot controllers, robot parts, and other manufacturing equipment. iGAM also provides financing for a pain-free transition to automation. 

Need additional support after implementing robots into your facility? NRTC Automation offers full-service solutions to help you meet your production goals. From industrial robot refurbishing to robotic engineering, we’re your source for automation services. Visit our website to see everything we offer! 

Together, NRTC Automation and iGAM are here to make automation accessible to all manufacturers. Work with us to start growing your company today. 

VISIT NRTC AUTOMATION

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.  

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

Schedule a free consultation with NRTC! We will work with you to create a turnkey automation solution to meet your needs. 

Histories and Profits of 10 Leading Manufacturing Companies Around the World

Since the turn of the 20th century, manufacturing has taken over the global market. Advancements in technology and increasingly efficient manufacturing processes have given the world cars, planes, and robots, to name a few. 

Manufacturing has made access to products and services easier than ever. Learn about some of the leaders in manufacturing with NRTC Automation’s list of 10 manufacturing companies below. 

10 Leading Manufacturing Companies Since 1892 

SAMSUNG 

Samsung is headquartered in South Korea and made over $222 billion in 2019. As a relatively new company, Samsung has climbed the ladder to consistently make the top lists of manufacturing companies in the world. They are traditionally a home appliance and technology store, but they are beginning to focus on B2B demands for electronics. In 2019, Samsung unveiled the “Samsung Bot,” a next-generation AI robot with household capabilities, and they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. 

GENERAL MOTORS 

In 1908 in New Jersey, William Durant created General Motors. Over the course of a century, General Motors grew into the powerhouse of classic American cars and, as of this year, the first company to produce self-driving vehicles. General Motors saw a revenue of $147 billion in 2019. 

NISSAN 

Nissan is a Japanese automobile manufacturer founded in 1928 with a Japanese translation of Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and officially joined the stock market in 1933 with its new name, Nissan. The company was the first Japanese automobile manufacturer to win the Deming Prize for engineering excellence in the 1950s and saw a rise in profits throughout the ‘60s and onward. With over $104 billion in revenue and continued innovations on their automobiles, Nissan makes the list. 

TOYOTA 

Toyota was founded over 75 years ago in Japan by Sakichi Toyoda, an inventor who used his funds from his inventions to create the company. Sakichi’s son, Kiichiro Toyoda, took over the business and established the car operations, producing the first Toyota engine in 1934. They changed the name from Toyoda to Toyota to make it easier to pronounce. Toyota cars are known for their dependability, and their $273 billion in revenue proves their reliability. 

VOLKSWAGEN 

Volkswagen was established as the “people’s car” in 1937 in Germany. The factory was initially under Nazi management until the war when the Allies destroyed the factory in an air raid. It was rebuilt under British control and grew rapidly from there. Volkswagen competes with the other top auto manufacturers, pulling in $278 billion in 2019. 

APPLE 

In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple for computers. In less than 50 years, Apple rose the ranks to one of the leading companies in the world. With the event of the smartphone, Apple became a household name and generated a revenue of $266 billion in 2019. 

FORD 

Ford is a classic American company founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, building international fame with his Model T car. Fun fact: Ford also established the assembly line as we know it today, increasing manufacturing productivity to new heights. Ford’s cars were used extensively during both World Wars. In 2019, Ford Motors Company made $160 billion in revenue. 

MICROSOFT 

Bill Gates and Paul G. Allen created Microsoft in 1975, the name of which is inspired by the terms microcomputer and software. They started out with computers and branched out into video game consoles in 2001 with the release of the Xbox. Microsoft was tangled in many legal struggles in its 45-year history, but it continues to lead manufacturing around the world with a $110 billion revenue. 

HONDA 

Honda is known for its cars, but when Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa founded the company in 1949 in Japan, the first automobile they introduced was the “Dream” D-type motorcycle. Their first car was sold in the United States in 1969 and developed ASIMO, a humanoid robot to assist those with limited mobility. Honda generated over $115 billion in revenue in 2019. 

GENERAL ELECTRIC 

Last but not least, General Electric is the oldest company on this list. It was incorporated in 1892 and became one of the top manufacturing companies in the world with its diverse product range. Consumer products such as home appliances and electronics only make up a small portion of its profit, however; the company’s sales are mostly supported by the U.S. Department of Defense. GE’s revenue in 2019 was $120 billion, continuing to prevail in manufacturing after nearly 130 years. 

THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING 

Manufacturing has come a long way in the past century. With the development of cars, airplanes, robots, and more, the world has changed drastically due to manufacturing. Looking ahead to the future, many of the companies on this list are innovating their products to be more sustainable and efficient. With advancements in technology and an increasing awareness of our production, manufacturing has a challenging, yet bright, future. 

NEED SERVICES FOR YOUR GROWING MANUFACTURING BUSINESS? 

NRTC Automation is the leader in decommissioning and tear out services. With over a decade of experience, we are trusted by the top auto manufacturers around the world. NRTC Automation also offers robotic solutions to minimize disruption and downtime in the work area while emphasizing safety, speed, and efficiency. Visit NRTC Automation today for more information on our services.