Shift change: robotics are changing the nature of manufacturing work.

• Author: Felix, Devin
• Position: Focus

Automation is changing the way manufacturing is done in Utah. At Autoliv's factory in Brigham City, about 250 robots carry out some of the most repetitive tasks required to make airbag inflators, which the company later installs to create complete car airbags.

Plant managers say the increasing use of automation is changing the types of jobs needed to keep the factory running. There are fewer low-skilled, repetitive jobs and a greater demand for educated human workers who understand robotics. Autoliv is working with Bridgerland Applied Technology College and Utah Valley University to set up automation engineering programs in hopes of producing skilled engineers in Utah who can program and maintain the company's many non-human workers.

ABOVE: A Yamaha Scara robot adds a small component that is needed for an airbag inflator. The robot is one of eight in a series, each of which adds another small part.

ABOVE: Motoman robots are capable of moving in any direction and are used mainly for handling and transferring large parts.

LEFT: Motoman robots carry out tasks to assemble airbag inflators. These are two of 68 Motoman robots at Autoliv's Brigham City...