AI Robotics and Digital Twins Boost Manufacturing in the United States and Samsung Display

U.S. manufacturers are turning to artificial‑intelligence‑driven robots and smart‑factory solutions to address chronic labor shortages and aging workforces. An estimated 500,000 factory jobs are vacant, with an average worker age of 55. Companies are deploying AI‑enabled robots such as Boston Dynamics’ Spot for autonomous inspection of high‑risk equipment, and collaborative robot orders in North America rose 55.6% in the first quarter, driven by demand from life‑science, semiconductor and food‑consumer sectors. A key obstacle remains the integration of legacy machinery with new software and data platforms, prompting calls for system‑integrator partnerships and presenting market opportunities for Korean automation firms.

Samsung Display is likewise advancing its production with AI and digital‑twin technologies under its AX (AI Transformation) program. AI is being used from material design to OLED structure simulation to shorten development cycles, while digital twins create virtual factories that allow predictive optimization and yield improvements. The company highlighted new flexible display platforms such as MONTFLEX and privacy‑focused FMP technology, although it deemed the introduction of humanoid robots on the shop floor premature. These initiatives aim to align display manufacturing with the growing AI‑driven device ecosystem, including automotive, wearable and XR applications.