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The robotics industry is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes a greater need for diversity and inclusion. As we move forward into the future, it is more important than ever to make sure that everyone has a seat at the table when it comes to robotics in manufacturing. 

Below, we'll talk about how diversity and inclusion are important to every industry and institution, and how the robotics industry is no different. We'll also discuss some ways that companies can foster a more diverse and inclusive environment within their own walls.

Why Diversity and Inclusion Are Important

This is a huge topic that simply can't be covered by a single blog post, so we'll just be scratching the surface here. In short, diversity and inclusion are important because they make sure that everyone has a fair chance to succeed and participate in whatever field they choose. 

A lack of diversity can lead to a homogenous environment where new ideas aren't welcome, and people who don't fit the mold are left out. This can have a stifling effect on innovation and creativity, and ultimately lead to a decline in the quality of products or services. 

Inclusion, on the other hand, is about making sure that everyone feels welcome and accepted. It's about creating an environment where people can be themselves without fear of judgement or discrimination. 

This is especially important in a field that lives and breathes on innovation and creativity, as robotics is a relatively young  industry. As we continue to grow and evolve, it's crucial that we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, because those ideas are important to technological advancement. 

How Diversity and Inclusion Apply to Robotics in Manufacturing

Like we mentioned above, robotics is a relatively new field. However, that doesn't change the fact that modern manufacturing processes are increasingly reliant on the roles that robots play on the manufacturing floor.  

All of these robots have to be designed, built, operated, maintained, etc. For every one of those needs, people are being upskilled or educated in robotics to fill all the numerous roles that come along with robots in manufacturing. Through diversity and inclusion, myriad different views and experiences and pools of knowledge are being drawn upon at every level of robotics, and the field is much stronger because of it.  

There are a multitude of articles, books, and studies that show just how important diversity and inclusion are to industries and institutions. But this blog post would be much too long if we tried to list them all here. Instead, we'll direct you to a few resources where you can learn more about the importance of diversity and inclusion: 

"The Importance of Diversity in the Workplace" by Forbes

"Why Gender Diversity Matters for Companies" by Harvard Business Review

"What Is the Impact of Diverse Teams?" by McKinsey & Company

These are just a few examples, but there are many more out there. In short, diversity and inclusion are important for robotics because they are important for every industry and institution. 

Diversity Can Help Fix the The Industry’s Unfilled Job Problem

That number, 2.4 million, is the projected number of unfilled manufacturing jobs over the next decade according to the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte. That’s a huge problem, to put it lightly. 

One way to address this problem is to make robotics available to a wider selection of people. By reaching out to underserved and underemployed communities, the robotics industry will have a larger pool of skilled workers and a more diverse and innovative future. 

How to Foster a Diverse and Inclusive Environment in Manufacturing

Fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in any workplace can be challenging, but it's important to remember that every little bit helps. Here are a few small steps that companies can take to foster a more diverse and inclusive environment within their own walls: 

- Encourage employees to share their ideas, no matter how big or small

- Make sure that everyone feels like they have a voice in the company

- Promote an environment of open communication and collaboration

- Encourage employees to take pride in their individual identities and backgrounds

- Educate employees on the importance of diversity and inclusion

These are just a few examples, but there are many more ways that companies can foster a more diverse and inclusive environment. The most important thing is to make sure that everyone feels like they are valued and respected, because that's what diversity and inclusion are all about. 

Inclusivity Means You

Robotics needs the voices, thoughts, and dreams of people from all background to advance to its potential as a field. That means that robotics needs you. 

If you’re somebody who’s ever dreamed of working with robots and leading a new technological field into the future, we’ve got good news. Now is the time to make that dream a reality and be a part of frontier of robotics in manufacturing. 

Not sure where to start? Just head over to the RoboticsCareer.org home page and use the search tool there to find a robotics program near you. Under the “More Filters” submenu, you can search for programs that reach out to underrepresented groups in manufacturing.  

Whoever you are, and wherever you live, we’re excited to see how you’ll contribute to the future of robotics.