ROBOTIC MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: TRENDS, CHALLENGES, AND SOCIOECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS
Keywords:
digital economy, robotic manufacturing, Industry 4.0, automation, artificial intelligence, smart factory, workforce transformation, cyber-physical systems, IoT, productivity.Abstract
The emergence of the digital economy has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of industrial production, positioning robotic and automated manufacturing systems as cornerstone technologies driving economic growth, competitiveness, and efficiency. This paper investigates the integration of robotic manufacturing systems within the context of the digital economy, examining their technological foundations, economic contributions, and societal implications. Drawing on global statistical data, comparative analysis, and sector-specific evidence, the study highlights how robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and other Industry 4.0 technologies synergize to create smart factories and cyber-physical production environments. The paper further explores workforce transformation, emerging challenges such as cybersecurity and inequality, and policy recommendations for inclusive, sustainable automation. Findings suggest that nations and enterprises embracing robotic manufacturing within a supportive digital infrastructure achieve significantly higher productivity gains, reduced operational costs, and improved product quality, while facing critical challenges related to reskilling labor and equitable access to technology.
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