What if we could teach machines how to learn the way humans do?

While robots are not new to production lines, they are becoming increasingly vital in manufacturing. According to the International Federation of Robots, by 2019 there will be an additional 1.4 million industrial robots in factories around the world.  While some people are concerned that robots will take away human jobs, many feel instead that robots will open up new ways of working and entirely new types of products and services.

Robots take on increased importance as we move into a ‘production of one’ environment where – to meet demands for highly customized products – production lines must become highly adaptable in order to crank out a wide range of products.

“Flexibility is now more important than efficiency in a production line,” notes Philippe Bartissol, Vice President, Industrial Equipment, Dassault Systèmes.

So, how is it that industrial robots can have the necessary impact – while still protecting human jobs?  The answer: deep learning.  Deep learning algorithms are already everywhere. It’s how your email system filters spam and how those online ads target you.  In the industrial equipment industry, deep learning will fuel momentum of artificial intelligence (AI), and this allows manufacturers to be faster and more flexible – and ultimately please their demanding customers.

These futuristic robots will be able to automate more tasks, freeing humans to do other work.  They’ll also be able to learn, adapt and teach themselves new skills just as humans can do.  And importantly, new technologies will make it much simpler to program robots – any manufacturing worker will be able to program simply by mimicking the activity to be performed; no specialized or extensive technical know-how required.

Dassault Systèmes, in conjunction with CNBC Catalyst Content Studio, created an in-depth look at the future of robots, machine learning and AI and how this will transform industrial equipment.  Check out the videos and articles here.  Then come back and tell us: do you think robots and humans can live in harmony in future factories.