Study shows almost half of Indiana jobs may be replaced by automation
(The Center Square) – Nearly half of all jobs in Indiana could be replaced by automation, the third-highest total in the nation, according to a new study. UK-based automation parts distributor CJS Automation released the study that shows that 47.57% of Indiana jobs are at risk. Most of the 1.4 million jobs at risk are in manufacturing and other sectors where jobs are comprised of performing one repetitive task, such as packing, scanning and moving items from one place to another. Automation in production can mean many things. It can take the form of robotic components capable of moving items across a space, to computerized systems that control production conditions and quality. Some at-risk jobs may be transformed rather than eliminated. CJS explained what automation means, and what it takes to utilize automated systems. “Controllers manage sequences, drives regulate motor speeds, and sensors monitor operating conditions,” CJS stated. “Skilled people set up these systems, investigate faults and keep machinery productive.” The Indiana Manufacturers Association has a positive outlook on the integration of automation in manufacturing, believing manufacturing will benefit from automation, according to Andrew Berger, president and CEO of the association. "Automation helps Indiana manufacturers compete globally," said Berger. "This