Clearpath Robotics Co-Founder Ryan Gariepy Says Manufacturing, Mining and Logistics Remain Under-Automated
As industries worldwide accelerate investments in automation and artificial intelligence, Canadian robotics pioneer Ryan Gariepy believes significant opportunities still exist to improve productivity through wider adoption of robotics across manufacturing, mining, logistics, and resource industries.
Gariepy, co-founder of Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors, says many businesses continue to underutilise automation technologies despite growing labour shortages, rising operational costs, and increasing pressure to improve efficiency.
His comments come as companies across North America, Europe, and Africa seek practical solutions to enhance industrial competitiveness through robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-powered automation.
From Research Innovation to Industrial Deployment
Founded in 2009 as a spinout from the University of Waterloo, Clearpath Robotics grew into one of Canada’s most successful robotics companies. The company later launched OTTO Motors, a leading developer of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) used in manufacturing and warehouse environments.
In 2023, both companies were acquired by Rockwell Automation in one of the most significant transactions in Canada’s robotics sector.
According to Gariepy, robotics became commercially viable as advances in computing power, sensors, batteries, and machine intelligence converged to create practical industrial solutions capable of operating reliably in real-world environments.
Manufacturing and Logistics Driving Adoption
Industrial sectors are increasingly adopting autonomous mobile robots to improve material handling, reduce manual transport tasks, and optimise workflow efficiency.
Modern AMRs are now being used to:
- Transport materials between production lines
- Support warehouse operations
- Improve inventory movement
- Enhance workplace safety
- Reduce operational bottlenecks
- Increase productivity without expanding labour requirements
Gariepy notes that many of these technologies have matured significantly over the past decade, allowing businesses to deploy automation solutions with measurable returns on investment.
Mining and Resource Industries Present Major Opportunities
Among the sectors with the greatest automation potential, Gariepy highlights mining and resource extraction industries.
Autonomous haulage systems, robotic inspection platforms, AI-powered monitoring technologies, and remote-controlled equipment are increasingly transforming mining operations around the world.
For Africa’s mining sector, automation offers significant opportunities to improve productivity, enhance worker safety, and optimise operations in remote and challenging environments.
As global demand for critical minerals continues rising, intelligent automation is expected to play a growing role in helping mining companies increase output while controlling costs.
Labour Shortages Accelerating Automation Investment
One of the key drivers behind automation adoption is the growing shortage of skilled labour across industrial sectors.
Rather than replacing workers, Gariepy argues that robotics should be viewed as a tool that enables employees to focus on higher-value activities while repetitive and physically demanding tasks are automated.
Many manufacturers and logistics operators are struggling to recruit sufficient personnel, making automation an increasingly important component of long-term operational planning.
“Our workers don’t need to work longer hours; they need better tools. Robots are those tools,” Gariepy explains.
The Reality of Physical AI and Humanoid Robots
While artificial intelligence continues attracting significant investment, Gariepy believes specialised industrial automation systems will remain the dominant form of robotics deployment for the foreseeable future.
Although humanoid robots continue generating headlines, he says practical industrial applications are currently being delivered more effectively by purpose-built autonomous systems designed for specific operational tasks.
Autonomous mobile robots, warehouse automation platforms, and AI-assisted industrial equipment are already delivering proven productivity gains across multiple industries.
Building Competitive Industrial Economies
As countries seek to strengthen industrial output and improve productivity, robotics is increasingly viewed as a strategic technology.
Gariepy believes industries such as manufacturing, mining, logistics, forestry, agriculture, and defence will experience significant transformation through automation over the next decade.
For African economies pursuing industrialisation and economic diversification, the adoption of robotics and intelligent automation technologies could play a critical role in enhancing competitiveness, improving operational efficiency, and supporting sustainable industrial growth.
With labour shortages, productivity challenges, and global competition continuing to intensify, robotics is rapidly moving from an emerging technology to a core component of modern industrial operations.
