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Novi, Michigan: A Hub of Innovation at Collaborate North America 2025

Demonstration of collaborative robots at Collaborate North America 2025 in Novi, Michigan.

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News Summary

The Collaborate North America 2025 conference in Novi, Michigan, attracted over 300 manufacturers, showcasing the transformative impact of collaborative robots (cobots) on manufacturing. Sponsored by Universal Robots, the event highlighted how cobots are addressing labor shortages, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring safety in production processes. The growth of this technology is on the rise, projected to reach $2.1 billion by 2024, reshaping modern manufacturing’s landscape.

Novi, Michigan: A Hub of Innovation at Collaborate North America 2025

On the crisp morning of January 28, 2025, the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan, turned into a bustling hub of innovation as more than 300 manufacturers gathered for the annual Collaborate North America 2025 conference. This year’s event showcased the exciting world of collaborative robots, popularly known as “cobots,” and how they are transforming the manufacturing landscape in response to ongoing labor shortages.

Spotlight on Cobots

Sponsored by Universal Robots, which is hailed as the leading cobot manufacturer, the conference highlighted the ways in which these remarkable machines are becoming integral parts of production processes. With an estimated cost of approximately $68,000, a Universal Robots UR30 cobot can lift up to 66 pounds, making it perfect for various tasks on the factory floor.

As companies increasingly turn to automation to ease the burden of staffing shortages, the collaborative robot industry is projected to explode in growth, reaching an estimated $2.1 billion by 2024. With an annual growth rate around 31.6% expected until 2030, the shift towards automation and cobots is clear.

Why Cobots?

Manufacturers are embracing **cobots** for many reasons, chief among them being efficiency and safety. Many companies, like Emerson from St. Louis, effectively employ these robots to handle mundane tasks such as palletizing and box handling. This not only saves precious time and money but also reduces the risk of injury for human workers who would otherwise perform these tedious and often dangerous jobs.

Surveys reveal that nearly 60% of employers see attracting and retaining a quality workforce as a significant challenge. By integrating cobots to perform tasks that are often dirty, monotonous, or risky, employers can free up their human workforce to engage in more meaningful, value-added work. This human-machine partnership amplifies productivity, quality, and safety—essential ingredients for modern manufacturing.

The Robotics Revolution

The automotive industry has been at the forefront of adopting industrial robotics, paving the way for a smoother collaboration between human workers and cobots. However, sectors like retail and food service may find it more challenging to embrace this technology due to concerns about job displacement among employees.

At the conference, several exhibitors, including Kinetic Technologies and Hirebotics, showcased how cobots equipped with innovative physical AI are capable of performing a variety of tasks. From welding to painting and assembly line work, these robots are becoming versatile allies on the factory floor.

Quality Control Reinvented

Most notably, the ability of cobots to enhance quality control processes was highlighted by manufacturers who are increasingly relying on them for tasks like parts inspection. AI sensors within cobots help standardize inspection processes, ensuring better tracking and consistency in quality compared to traditional methods.

One company making headlines was the Hershey Company, exploring the addition of cobots to improve both productivity and safety for their operators. As these robots continue to evolve, they can tackle more complex tasks previously handled by humans, enriching the landscape of the manufacturing industry.

Addressing the Skills Gap

While the growth of cobot technology is undeniable, there remains a skills gap with regards to trained professionals who can effectively implement and manage this technology within businesses. As cobots become more prevalent, the call for skilled workers familiar with cobot technology will become essential in capitalizing on this automation revolution.

Final Thoughts

The Collaborate North America 2025 conference is a glimpse into the future of manufacturing, where *collaborative robots* are not designed to replace human workers but to enhance their capabilities. As Michigan continues to be a leader in manufacturing innovations, businesses are finding ways to balance automation with the human touch—making a brighter, more efficient future possible for everyone involved.