After a tumultuous 2020, advanced manufacturing companies are regrouping for the future. As in other industries, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the sector, forcing change, adaptation, and an acceleration of certain trends.

Lockdown measures highlighted the fragility of human-centered workspaces. The factory floor will continue its digital transformation, aided by sensors, connectivity, robotics, machine learning, and other advanced technologies.

Many companies are likely to shift to more localized production to be closer to their consumers and to create more resilient supply chains. Among other reasons, increased protectionism in recent years is driving the reshoring process.

Amar Hanspal, CEO of Bright Machines, a Silicon Valley start-up focusing on automation in the electronics manufacturing industry, writes about three additional trends in Forbes.