The Robot Revolution & Industrial IoT Initiative (RRI), in collaboration with CESMII (Collaborative Ecosystems for Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute, USA) and Plattform Industrie 4.0 (Germany), has published a joint discussion paper addressing the future of industrial sustainability.
The manufacturing industry is facing an increasingly challenging environment, with intensifying natural disasters, growing geopolitical risks, and other challenges. Furthermore, securing talented personnel has long been a top priority for the manufacturing industry’s business continuity, and efforts to apply generative AI and automated equipment to business operations have presented a talent bottleneck.
Against these labor and global environmental challenges, experts from Japan, the United States, and Europe have been discussing the sustainability of the manufacturing industry for one and a half years. Finally, we have published a discussion paper defining the issues that need to be addressed through international collaboration and outlining solutions.
Project lead Dr. Nonaka of Hitachi Ltd. commented:
“The pandemic and energy crisis have reshaped societal values, work styles, and economic priorities across Japan, the U.S., and Europe. As digitalization emerges as a key growth driver, experts from these regions have reconvened to reassess its impact and identify challenges requiring global collaboration. Through open dialogue and mutual policy evaluation, we’ve built a shared understanding that strengthens the foundation for future cooperation. We invite readers to engage with these insights and contribute actively to shaping a more resilient and sustainable industrial future.”
From the United States, CESMII CEO John Dyck stated:
“In the face of global disruption, demographic shifts, and rapid digitalization, industrial sustainability has become a prerequisite for resilience. This paper critically examines how Japan, the U.S., and Germany are addressing these challenges through digital transformation, policy innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. By embracing human-centric and ecologically responsible strategies, and fostering trust-based international cooperation, we lay the groundwork for a more adaptive and inclusive industrial future. I am honored to contribute to this trilateral effort, which reflects years of thoughtful dialogue and shared commitment to shaping sustainable ecosystems.”
From Germany, Thomas Hahn, Spokesperson Plattform Industrie 4.0 and Siemens Fellow added:
“In today’s digital era, resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness form the foundation of successful industrial strategies. As aging populations and digital skill gaps challenge developed economies, strategic workforce planning and agile operations are essential. Through initiatives like Plattform Industrie 4.0 and IM-X, Germany fosters global partnerships to address shared challenges and optimize resources. This paper offers a comprehensive view of industrial transformation, integrating European insights and highlighting the importance of international cooperation in shaping a sustainable and adaptable future.”
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About RRI (Robot Revolution & Industrial IoT Initiative)
Established as a private-sector-led platform under Japan’s “Robot Strategy” (approved by the Headquarters for Japan’s Economic Revitalization in February 2015), RRI promotes the advancement of robotics and industrial IoT. The strategy redefines “robots” as systems (including manufacturing) that leverage digitalization, networking, advanced sensors, and AI to address societal challenges and drive innovation. RRI serves as an open innovation platform that fosters collaboration and concrete action among stakeholders.
About CESMII (Smart Manufacturing Institute)
CESMII has a total current investment commitment of $201M from Department of Energy funding and public/private partnership contributions, with a mandate to create a more competitive manufacturing environment here in the US through advanced sensing, analytics, modeling, control and platforms. CESMII is one of 18 Manufacturing USA institutes on this mission to increase manufacturing productivity, global competitiveness, and reinvestment by increasing energy productivity, improving economic performance and raising workforce capacity. University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) is the program and administrative home of CESMII. For more information about CESMII, its history and Smart Manufacturing, visit cesmii.org.
About Plattform Industrie 4.0
Plattform Industrie 4.0 is Germany’s leading network for shaping the digital transformation of manufacturing. Through strategic initiatives such as PI4.0 and International Manufacturing-X (IM-X), it fosters global collaboration, supports sustainable industrial development, and promotes ethical and data-sovereign approaches to digital innovation.
https://www.plattform-i40.de/IP/Navigation/EN/Home/home.html