Making Industrial and Software Automation Partners at Work

This document is a case study that discusses the integration of industrial and software automation within the workforce. It outlines the findings from the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, which indicates that 61% of global companies plan to increase their investment in automation by mid-2025. The study identifies two main types of automation: industrial automation, which uses physical robots, and software automation, which enhances productivity through digital task delegation. The document details an experiment conducted by Carnegie Mellon University researchers with AI agents in a simulated business environment, revealing that while automation can be beneficial, it is not a comprehensive solution. The findings suggest that automation often augments human roles rather than replacing them, with many employers expecting to maintain or increase their workforce. The paper concludes with recommendations for leaders on effectively implementing automation to achieve business efficiency and successful human-machine collaboration.