3M Bets on Robotics to Drive Growth, Launches Labs to Automate Industrial Work Amid Labor Shortages

3M has opened robotics labs to help customers automate work using 3M products, driven by labor shortages.

Automation is a key priority for 3M's growth plans; it wants to supply robotics tools for industries like auto manufacturing.

3M doesn't build robots but makes parts like abrasives to enable automation for specific tasks like auto paint touch-ups.

3M addresses criticism about automation reducing jobs by opening an auto tech training center to fill 100,000 expected technician roles.

New car paint touch-up stations now use 3M's robotic system to scan for and fix defects, faster than humans.