OEMs Cutting Back on Robotic Assembly Lines

U.S. manufacturers, including those in the auto industry, installed fewer robots in 2019 than they did a year prior.
Feb. 11, 2020

Feb. 11, 2020—A downturn in manufacturing resulted in U.S. automakers scaling back on robotics used in assembly lines, according to Reuters.

A major goal of President Donald Trump has been to drive manufacturers to bring work back work to the United States, presumably aided by new automation and robotics that would allow domestic plants, including automotive factories, to compete with cheaper labor in China and other lower-cost countries.

But that trend appears to have been overwhelmed by a larger slowdown in manufacturing.

Hytrol Conveyor Co Inc, a privately held company in Jonesboro, Ark., that produces conveyor belts, for example, did not cut back on robot installations in 2019. With demand from e-commerce businesses and other warehouse operations booming, the company spent $1.9 million last year to help automate its assembly line. David Peacock, the company’s president, said in the report the company realized three years ago it would have trouble keeping up with demand growth without more robots.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Latest in Latest News

Enterprise/Tasco Auto Color
Enterprise and Tasco Logo
Enterprise and Tasco Auto Color continue to support the Collision Industry Foundation program at the second highest tier, Urgent Care, for donors that contribute $5,000-$10,000...
June 19, 2025
Adobe Stock 200930201
adobestock_200930201
The insurance company said it has control of its systems and hasn’t detected any evidence of ransomware or ongoing threat actor activity since the June 7 attack.
June 19, 2025
MSCRA
MSCRA Logo
The Mountain States Collision Repair Association’s first in-person event features four industry experts and networking opportunities at Downhill Brewing in Parker, Colorado.
June 19, 2025