Do Manufacturing Robots & Automation Mean the End of the Workweek?

Robots are new to the world, and their success depends on programming. Babies must learn how to communicate, walk, and do other things. Like children, robots have a lot of potential.

Manufacturing is more than factories, assembly lines, and blue-collar workers; it’s a dynamic industry with many specific roles and responsibilities. Manufacturers face many challenges in the coming years, including new technologies and AI, the need for greater efficiency, advanced robotics, and Industry 4.0 implementation. But there are also opportunities to increase production capacity by implementing the latest tools and technologies to increase performance while lowering costs.

Manufacturing is also an industry long associated with blue-collar jobs and manual labor. However, that perception is changing as advancements in robotics and other technologies make factories smarter, safer, and more tech-savvy daily. These days, robots are commonplace in manufacturing facilities of all sizes.

Robots automate tasks like welding or packaging, so humans don’t have to do them anymore—especially in hazardous environments—or we pair them with human operators, acting as helpers or assistants. Even though robots won’t take your job away completely, manufacturers are increasingly using automation to streamline their production processes and cut costs.

Robotics and Automation

Robotics uses mechanical automation to perform tasks that otherwise need human effort. In manufacturing, where robotics is most commonly used, these tasks could be anything from material handling and assembly to welding and testing.

Automation comes into play when machines, controlled by computer software, complete specific tasks — usually repetitive, labor-intensive ones too costly for humans. Automation ranges from simple computer-controlled machines to fully automated factories with little or no human intervention.

Between these two extremes are a variety of hybrids—systems using a combination of automated machines and human workers.

Pros of robotics and automation in manufacturing

• Improved Safety:?One of the main reasons manufacturers opt for robots is to improve safety. Robots don't get tired or lose focus as we do, so they don’t make mistakes like humans. For example, we can program robots to avoid dangerous situations, like not approaching an arc flash area while humans are nearby.
• Increased Accuracy:?Another benefit of robots is that they are extremely precise and don’t make mistakes like humans.
• Reduced Inventory:?When a manufacturer uses automation to increase the efficiency of their production process, they are bound to reduce their inventory levels because automation drives the need for additional production capacity and inventory.

Cons of Robotics and Automation in Manufacturing

• Increased Operational Complexity:?One of the main cons of robotics is its ability to add complexity to the facility's operations. It creates risk in a facility by introducing new technologies, new engineering designs, and new human-machine interfaces.
• Increased Maintenance Costs:?Another disadvantage of robotics is it requires maintenance and servicing.
• Increased Risk of Unplanned Downtime:?When manufacturers implement robotics, they’ll likely use a centralized control system—if one piece of equipment fails, so could the entire system.

Never Go Away, People!

Even as robots become more advanced and able to replace humans in more and more industries, there will always be jobs for humans because humans outpace even the most advanced robots in many areas. Humans can make complex decisions, understand emotions, and apply empathy; these are things that robots can't do.

Dozens of industries will always need humans, including healthcare, education, management, law, engineering, and many others. Robots will undoubtedly play a role in these industries, but humans will always be necessary.

Robots are new to the world, and their success depends on programming.

Babies must learn how to communicate, walk, and do other things.

Like children, robots have a lot of potential.

Robots and humans working together is the future.

Regarding the future of the workplace, many experts believe that robots and humans will work together. Already we’re seeing this happen in some industries. And for a good reason, too. You have a much more powerful team when you combine human effort with robotic help.

The best example of this is in the medical field. Robots are already being used in surgery to assist doctors. These teams of humans and robots can do things neither humans nor robots can do independently. As technology advances, we’ll likely see this partnership expand to other industries.

How do you know if your job is safe?

You don't need to worry if you’re concerned about robots taking your job. Robotics and automation only make your jobs easier. That doesn’t mean you won’t have to do anything, though. We always need people to operate these machines because they work alongside people; they don't replace them. Workers will monitor, repair, and program robots while communicating with them.

Conclusion

The rise of robotics and automation in manufacturing will continue, but this won’t negatively affect people, allowing us to focus on more value-added work and do our jobs more efficiently and effectively.

As long as people develop and learn how to work together with robots and automation, there is no reason their jobs would be at risk.

Right?