I think it is also one of the most versatile and economic processes out there, and I have yet to se a SMAW robot.
Also, whe welding HSLA-steels I would prefer GAMW or FCAW because SMAW electrodes require baking and rebaking or the welded joint could end up full of cracks.
Also, SMAW means grinding after each new stick and slag-removal. My experience that for most applications it is an expensive and troublesome process compared to GMAW.
/Happy