In 1961, General Motors installed Unimate, the first autonomous, preprogrammed robot designed for moving hot metal. Flash forward nearly 60 years and there are few industries that haven’t turned to robotics for one task or another. Robotics innovations have led to machines that are often designed to efficiently complete repetitive tasks that are often dangerous or make it easy for human error to come into play.
The industry has quickly accelerated research into an array of robotics options thanks to advances in artificial intelligence (AI). From robots that can fly or drive to ones that mimic animals and human-like artificial limbs to collaborative robots (COBOTs) designed to work alongside humans, the opportunity to invest in something that can increase efficiency, improve outcomes, and overcome labor shortages and other factors make it a viable solution.
The increased use of robots is changing the workplace. In some cases, it comes with the downside of displacing human workers or figuring out safe ways for humans and robots to coexist. As more companies are choosing robotic alternatives, it’s important to look at where things are now with robotics in the workplace, the impact it may have and what the future may bring.
Current Robots and Their Tech
A blend of science, engineering and technology, robotics may have been around a while but is still in its infancy. Along with AI, research has run the gamut in terms of what capabilities a robot may have, including single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)[HK1] to create artificial muscles, elastic cables for more shapes and flexibility, silicone that mimics synapses, biped robots, exoskeleton suits and much more. As these technologies advance, so does the opportunity for robots to be used in more industries.
No matter the type of robot, they do have similarities in that they all require electrical components for power and control and some form of mechanical construction. The computer programming element is what turns them from a machine into something entirely different. Advanced algorithms, machine learning and AI all factor in what a robot may be capable of.
According to a report by McKinsey Global Institute, 90 percent of robots being used in 2005 could be found in automotive factories assembly cars. These preprogrammed robots perform monotonous tasks in a controlled environment. They often have an arm that has one main function—whether it be welding a door or precisely inserting an engine part. Now, industries have the option of using autonomous and teleoperated robots.
Teleoperated robots are user-controlled robots such as drones, surgical robots and those designed for use on construction sites or other dangerous environments. Sarcos has developed its Guardian XT, which is a dexterous robot that performs the human-like skills of its user while they remain in a safe location. Platform-agnostic, it can attach to different bases to perform tasks such as welding, deploying sensors, lifting and repairing overhead panels.
Autonomous robots are programmed to sense their environment and perform tasks without human control. Typically used in open environments, they often have sensors, cameras and scanners that allow them to monitor industrial spaces. One example is ANYmal by ANYbotics. This quadrupedal robot can traverse various terrain and obstacles. Often used for inspections, it is “trained” to learn the inspection route to perform its rounds and deliver real-time inspection reports. Other industries seeing a growing use of these robots is logistics, such as inVia’s warehouse solution.
Impact on Human Workers
As impressive as robotic innovations are, change always comes with bumps in the road and a range of related factors to consider. Along with potential liability issues, especially with COBOTs and autonomous robots, the impact on human workers is an essential consideration. Often topping that list is the loss of jobs for humans.
It is estimated that 800 million jobs globally have the potential to be lost to robots by 2030. That potential job loss could be devastating to local and national economies. The majority of jobs affected fall in the manufacturing category, such as factory workers and machine operators. In some cases, those tedious tasks will free up the human workers to focus on more high-skilled operations. Retraining employees for other work is one way that businesses can minimize the impact of these job losses. If retraining isn’t a viable solution, there will likely need to be a massive shift in people changing industries.
In a recent research article, the researchers took a different approach. They found that the increased use of robots may actually provide more opportunity or create more meaningful work for people. A robot taking over some aspects of a job may provide a positive boon for the worker. If they can get assistance from a robot to complete tasks or more accurately determine an outcome via its AI, such as a robot that can better read a medical image, there is more of a chance that the assistance will be welcomed instead of seen as a threat.
Another concern is that if robots take over certain jobs, it will mean a loss of those human skills. Although the efficiency of automation technology may be undeniable, there needs to be some discussion on how reliant a business wants to be on technology.
While there may be significant job losses with the introduction of robotic technology, many industries, such as manufacturing and construction, have long been facing a labor shortage. With a disproportionate number of people entering those fields compared to the number of people retiring from them, bridging that skills gap has long been a challenge.
If estimates by the Manufacturing Institute come true, there will be a 2.4 million labor shortage by 2028. Depending on the situation, investing in robotics may be one solution for that long-term problem. Along with robotics, adopting other intelligent solutions can enhance processes to offset having fewer employees on-site.
What Will the Workplace of the Future Look Like?
While no one knows what the future may hold, it’s likely a safe bet that companies, employees, customers and consumers will be in close contact with robots in one way or another. From autonomous floor cleaners at hardware stores to the Roomba in a home, people are quickly becoming more accustomed to a futuristic world.
With continued development of humanoid robots, which are designed to mimic human behavior or appearance, there will be a potential influx of them in the retail, banking, education, health care and hospitality industries. Although these robots are still in the early stages of development, there are robots like SoftBank’s Pepper that can answer questions, learn preferences and connect with people.
Regardless of how robots are introduced in an industry, the approach a business takes will be essential to their seamless integration. To avoid a potential negative impact, creating a team environment that includes the robot may provide added cohesiveness. If the robot is portrayed as an essential tool to benefit workers, the transition may go more smoothly.
Incorporating safety is also a key element. Although robots may be doing undesirable jobs, working alongside them could pose a different kind of risk to humans. Developing a standard system for when COBOTS work and interact, such as handing off parts, will help prevent liability issues and ensure that an expensive robot enhances operations instead of causes problems.