“There is no reason and no way that a human mind can keep up with an artificial intelligence machine by 2035,” predicted the techno-futurist philosopher Gray Scott. But the truth is more nuanced: automation will create as many opportunities for humans as it reduces. Here’s how manufacturers can greatly enhance their processes—and address the U.S.’s skills shortage.

The fear of machines taking away humans’ jobs has always been prevalent. On another occasion, Scott predicted that robots “will work in our factories, drive our cars and walk our dogs. Like it or not, the age of work is coming to an end.”