DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN SMES: GENERATIVE AI, COLLABORATIVE ROBOTICS, AND THEIR IMPACT ON PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Abstract

This article assesses the effects of adopting generative artificial intelligence and collaborative robotics in small and medium-sized Brazilian industrial companies in the Industry 4.0 era. It empirically investigates the observable impacts on productivity, quality, and task redesign, as well as changes in the skills required and in the organization of work. A mixed method is adopted: analysis of operational indicators before and after implementation, examination of job descriptions, questionnaires and interviews with managers and workers, and evaluation of retraining initiatives. The results indicate that intelligent automation expands and reconfigures tasks rather than replacing them, with positive impacts on productivity of 15-30% and a reduction in rework of 20-40%. Structured retraining programs mitigate the risks of replacement, favoring human-machine complementarity. Implications for professional training policies and ethical governance of automation in SMEs are discussed, offering practical evidence for technological investment decisions and the design of training programs aligned with the demands of digital transformation.