What is a "cobot", its link to AI and Change Management?

According to Wikipedia a “cobot”, or collaborative robot, intended for direct human-robot interaction within a shared space, or where humans and robots are in close proximity. Cobot applications contrast with traditional industrial robot applications in which robots are isolated from human contact.

The mission of a “cobot” is to automate industrial or non-industrial tasks by intelligently sharing space with humans. Nowadays, a “cobot” incorporates advanced technology, sensors, artificial vision and functions that allow it not only to guarantee the operator’s safety, but also to interact by autonomously making the right decisions to optimise the task it performs. The ability to work collaboratively with humans greatly expands the potential applications of robotic automation.

But what is the difference between a “cobot” and an industrial robot?

There are many differences but the main difference between “cobots” and traditional industrial robots lies in their level of interaction with human workers. Unlike traditional robots, which are often placed in cages or other restricted areas to keep humans at a safe distance, “cobots” are designed to work alongside humans collaboratively.

“Cobots” can be deployed in a wide range of environments and bring many different benefits when compared to traditional industrial robots. Typically, a robot user chooses a collaborative robot when they need to prioritize safety, flexibility, low-cost deployment, and fast ROI.

What about “cobots” and Artificial Intelligence?

AI makes “cobots” fit for purpose in high-traffic environments, ensuring the machines can navigate safely and efficiently without causing hassles that could slow down workflows. Artificial intelligence also makes it relatively easy for a user to teach a “cobot” about its surroundings. Once the machine maps the environment, it can respond to minor changes without retraining.

Many people worry that robots will take over their jobs. Indeed, some robotics can do advanced manufacturing tasks, such as welding. However, what often happens when company leaders purchase AI-powered “cobots” is that those machines supplement what people do, creating overall better outcomes.?

What about “cobots” and Change Management?

Robotic technology can be a very effective driver for change that is transformational, particularly if it is put to sophisticated use. Robots can be used as conduits, as well as allies, for change to occur. Not only can robotic technology facilitate Change Management in an organisation, but also employees who should be the principal drivers (and benefactors) of that Change Management.

You can’t analyse any aspect of Change Management without acknowledging that there will invariably be those who resist it within an organisation. Resistance to change is inherently human, in that familiarity affords people comfort zones, something which can be particularly appealing in the workplace. Resistance to robots, for example, is a variation on a familiar theme, with push-back against technological change dating back to the Luddites who resisted certain forms of mechanization during the Industrial Revolution, and even further back to Ancient Roman times.

An important part of the robotic Change Management ethos is that the technology should be viewed as a valuable and trustworthy ally for employees, not a replacement quasi-replicant’ that is going to make their work redundant. Boring, repetitive tasks can be supplanted by a robot so that employees can get on with more challenging, intellectually stimulating work.

There is no denying the value that cobots can bring to an organisation in terms of efficiency, productivity, asset integrity and even safety. As such, a ‘robotic revolution’ within an organisation that is well-considered and well-communicated will reap rich rewards. The result will not only be needed change, but, better still, true transformation.

Demystify the robot, and the rest will follow.

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