Why America Needs More Engineers and More Robots

Summary

While U.S. lawmakers spar over the cost and politics of higher education, global competitors are investing aggressively in the future of industrial labor. China, for example, graduates roughly 350,000 mechanical engineers annually, supported by a steady pipeline of electricians, welders and technicians. In stark contrast, the United States produces just 45,000 mechanical engineers per year. That’s only a fraction of what’s needed to sustain modern manufacturing, let alone fuel its growth. And that figure doesn’t even include other essential fields of engineering—like industrial, controls and manufacturing—that are just as critical to robotics and automation.
 
This talent shortfall is a systemic vulnerability. Without enough mechanical engineers, the U.S. lacks the technical backbone to support advanced manufacturing operations. And while reshoring has become a rallying cry in policy circles, workforce limitations continue to constrain its feasibility.
 
The gap is most visible in small-to-midsize manufacturers, which form the foundation of the American industrial landscape. These companies are expected to compete globally, yet many can’t find or afford the skilled talent required to modernize operations. That’s where robotics automation becomes not a luxury but a necessity.

With a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and 20 years working in robotics, I’ve spent my career focused on the intersection of people and automation. I’ve worked alongside manufacturers large and small, and what I’ve seen over and over is that automation succeeds when it’s paired with a strong base of engineering talent. Technology moves fast, but it relies on people to deploy, adapt and sustain it. Without this, progress stalls.

According to analysts at SemiAnalysis, the U.S. has failed to capitalize on automation as a tool for industrial resurgence. Tariffs and political rhetoric alone have done little to bring manufacturing home. What’s missing is the skilled labor and scalable technology infrastructure to make domestic production competitive.
 
When deployed effectively, robotics offers a critical bridge that enhances the worker experience. Intelligent automation can streamline labor-intensive tasks, reduce errors and unlock productivity gains that offset labor shortages. But, make no mistake, the value of robotics hinges on human capability. Engineers are needed to build and maintain these systems, as well as to integrate them into complex production environments.
 
Robotics companies are demonstrating how software-defined automation, such as adaptable vision systems that let robots “see” and respond to dynamic tasks, can extend the reach of a limited labor force. Their tools are designed to empower smaller operations that lack the deep technical teams typically found in enterprise manufacturing. By lowering the barrier to entry, these platforms are helping democratize automation.
 
Still, scalable robotics isn’t a silver bullet. America’s bigger challenge is cultural and structural. Engineering education remains underfunded and underprioritized, especially in public institutions and underserved communities. The absence of consistent support for STEM pathways limits access to mechanical and industrial engineering careers, precisely when demand is skyrocketing.
 
To meaningfully reshore manufacturing, the U.S. must pursue a dual-track strategy: increase the supply of engineering talent through expanded STEM education and make automation viable for small and midsize manufacturers through subsidies, shared infrastructure and standards-driven platforms. That means investing in new technology while building the human capital needed to leverage it.
 
Resilience in manufacturing comes from combining purpose-driven people with practical, scalable tools. Mechanical engineers bring the problem-solving mindset that drives innovation. Robotics offers the execution muscle to carry that innovation forward. Together, they form the foundation of a more self-reliant industrial economy that can actually bring production back home.