Global Megatrends Shaping the Future of Production: Scarcity of Resources

With the growing world population and the rise of global economic prosperity, resource scarcity will continue to play a major role in production. The availability of natural resources such as metals and other industrial materials is reaching critical levels. Manufacturing companies must work efficiently and sustainably with these resources in order to reduce environmental pollution and remain competitive over the long term.

Scarcity of resources due to rising demand

There are only limited, non-replenishable supplies of minerals, metals and fossil resources on our planet. As population growth gives rise to increasing demand for industrial and consumer goods worldwide, the availability of non-renewable natural resources is dwindling.

Furthermore, the quality of natural resources such as water, air and soil may become permanently damaged as a result of commercial activities. Heightened consumption and unsustainable production are depleting natural sources of these life-supporting essentials.

Resource scarcity will continue to cause critical and, to a certain extent, irreversible environmental damage. But it will also impact the economy by causing market prices to rise. Among manufacturing companies, those with high energy and material requirements will especially feel the effects of resource scarcity on their operational costs.

In order to remain competitive on the global market, it is becoming increasingly important for companies manage resources responsibly and sustainably, choosing to use alternative energy sources and renewable materials.

Sustainable use of resources: a key topic that will define the future of society and industry.

Modern technologies and innovations can promote resource efficiency

By strategically integrating sustainable, future-oriented approaches and technologies into their production, industrial companies can make use of natural resources in a more efficient manner. From procurement to production, from distribution to disposal and recycling – there is room for improved resource efficiency at every stage of industry.

By optimizing process sequences and material flow, it is possible to lower costs for resources such as energy and water, while at the same time reducing material waste and the volume of rejected parts. Smart factories and the Industrial Internet of Things enable companies to establish highly efficient production processes that use real-time data to optimize resource use.

Furthermore, innovation in the field of product design and the development of alternative materials are helping to alleviate competition for limited resources and generate added value both commercially and ecologically.

Resource efficiency at KUKA

KUKA strives on a daily basis to develop and implement intelligent automation solutions that help companies around the world optimize their value creation processes, thus enabling them to increase economic efficiency while using resources in a responsible manner.

Examples of these solutions include energy-efficient products designed for flexible deployment, such as the KR QUANTEC industrial robot, or intelligent software solutions that can optimize production and energy use. KUKA also offers services to aid with the sustainable disposal and recycling of products.

Sustainably structured environmental and energy programs have been implemented in our own production facilities, enabling our own production and delivery chain to meet and even surpass necessary resource conservation standards.