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As someone who's seen automation trends come and go, what's one 'future-proof' skill that will still be valuable in industrial automation 20 years from now?
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question
RalphFord
2025-12-16
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Based on what I've seen in the industry and looking at where things are headed, I'd say the most future-proof skill for industrial automation 20 years from now is systems thinking. Here's why: While specific technologies like PLC programming, robotics, and AI tools will continue to evolve (and some may even become obsolete), the ability to understand how complex systems work together will only become more valuable.
Think about it - as automation becomes more integrated with IoT, AI, and smart factories, you're not just dealing with individual machines anymore. You're managing interconnected systems where decisions in one area affect everything else. The person who can see the big picture, understand how different components interact, and solve problems holistically will always be in demand.
This skill complements technical knowledge rather than replaces it. You'll still need to understand the technology, but systems thinking is what allows you to apply that knowledge effectively in increasingly complex environments. It's the kind of human-centric problem-solving that's much harder to automate completely.
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