Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), estimated at roughly 36 million in the United States, represent one of the “final frontiers” for mass, industrial adoption of robotics and automation. Emerging robotics technology, built on open-source architecture, is driving innovation, lowering costs, and simplifying operational complexities – making the tools of automation more accessible. We’re at the edge of a transformative catalyst that will bring robotics into the industrial mainstream with widespread SMB adoption. This is an exciting opportunity for students who will be entering the workforce with the skills to work with the emerging technologies that are shaping modern robotics.  

 

Approximately 21% of SMBs are forecast to implement robotics or automation by 2033, with adoption expected to rise significantly in SMB sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, packaging, food services, and light assembly, where repetitive tasks and labor shortages create strong economic incentives for automation.  Some forecast adoption rates at 30–35%.  Even at a conservative 21% forecast level, that’s 7.5M companies adopting robotics for the first time.  This represents massive, mainstream growth that will demand skilled operators, integrators, and programmers who are familiar with this emerging technology stack.

 

Data trends indicate that robotics and automation will move from early adoption to mainstream use within the SMB sector over the next 10 years.  

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​OSPRI Automation delivers workstations built on open-source robotics technology that's driving innovation and the next wave of automation within the SMB sector.  We're focused on equipping educators with the tools to help prepare students to support and lead the next wave of automation adoption.​

 

We'll help your institution move closer to a 1:1 student-to-equipment ratio, creating a more immersive, hands-on learning environment that directly prepares students for careers in modern automated industries.