Overview
Artificial intelligence is accelerating automation adoption across manufacturing, warehousing, aerospace, and defense. Smarter systems place higher demands on mechanical components.
Mobility is one of the most affected areas. As control systems improve, tolerance for mechanical variability decreases.
What AI Changes in Automation
- Higher positioning accuracy requirements
- Continuous data feedback loops
- Reduced tolerance for vibration and drift
- More frequent duty cycles
These changes expose weaknesses in wheels, bearings, and swivels that were previously acceptable.
Why Mobility Becomes More Critical
Mobility components influence how accurately an automated system moves, stops, and repeats tasks.
- Vibration affects sensor accuracy
- Rolling resistance affects energy usage
- Wear affects repeatability over time
Software cannot compensate for inconsistent mechanical performance indefinitely.
System Requirements Before and After AI Integration
| Requirement | Traditional Automation | AI-Driven Automation |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility tolerance | Moderate | Low |
| Vibration control | Basic | Critical |
| Duty cycle | Intermittent | Continuous |
| Component lifespan | Shorter acceptable | Longer required |
What This Means for OEMs
- Mobility components must be engineered earlier in design
- Testing must reflect continuous operation
- Component suppliers must support system-level performance
These trends align with the broader outlook in the 2026 Industrial Forecast.