There has been much debate and discussion on humans being replaced by robots in the workplace. Could we truly be replaced with recent advances in the field, producing more skillful and intelligent machines?
ADVANCES IN ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY
There are currently many different types of robots available. Hadrian X by Fastbrick Robotics is a prime illustration of this. A human worker cannot lay as many bricks simultaneously as this Australian robot, which can lay more than 1000 standard bricks each hour. Tally, a robot that may operate in a supermarket to stack shelves and verify product pricing, was created by Simbe Robotics in the USA.
Numerous businesses are also prepared to make investments in robotic help. Robotic milking has replaced human milking at the Swedish dairy product manufacturer DeLaval International, enhancing profits.
Although technological advancement is fantastic for companies, many people have legitimate concerns about job security. According to a recent Oxford University study, up to 47% of employment in the United States might potentially be done by robots over the next two decades. Transportation and logistics, as well as labor and manufacturing vocations, are among the list of jobs deemed “vulnerable to computerization.”
It should be mentioned that automation will threaten all of these professions, although a different US employment survey conducted from 1997 to 2007 lends credibility to the study. According to this estimate, each workforce may lose between 3-6 jobs due to one robot. In addition, pay often decreased by 0.25 to 0.5 percent for every additional robot installed per 1000 workers.
One may counter that the worry of losing work to robots is not new to humans. The number of artisans, farmers, and textile workers has decreased since the industrial revolution due to “computerization.” Even though these professions were lost, numerous new jobs entered the workforce. This comprises mechanics, helpers in finance, and pilots, among others.
Development of New Artificial Intelligence
This is something that might happen soon. New artificial intelligence development is predicted to lead to many new work opportunities. According to a study by MIT researchers, a lot of human input will be required for AI systems to function as intended. Additionally, system maintenance, technology, and business management jobs will be necessary.
The pros and cons of increasing robot labor in the workforce are listed below.
Pros
- Make life quicker: Human beings need breaks. Additionally, they require time to reflect and solve challenging problems and computations. We can ensure that duties are completed much more quickly by delegating this duty to a computer, enabling firms to operate more effectively. This is, in many ways, the logical progression of the digital transformation we have already witnessed in the workplace.
- Can make work safer: For businesses, it can be challenging and risky to work at high altitudes, in harsh temperatures, or with hazardous chemicals or materials. This danger can be decreased by putting robots in the “firing line.”
- Accuracy: It’s only humans to make mistakes. A costly mistake for a business might result from being tired, under pressure, stressed out, or losing focus. Robots can consistently and accurately carry out orders from humans, frequently operating more precisely.
The nicest part about robots is that they free up individuals to focus on what they do best. In HR, this is delegating to professionals the specialized one-on-one work that facilitates problem resolution and maintains employer satisfaction (and productivity). Additionally, they can relieve people from tedious and repetitive tasks that may be demoralizing.
Cons
- Employment: There is no escaping the fact that some of the strengths mentioned above will eliminate certain positions from the workforce. There are many different predictions regarding how many occupations will be replaced by robots, but it’s safe to state that their debut may eliminate some positions. Businesses need to start addressing this, with HR departments playing a key role in identifying the positions in danger and offering people retraining to prevent workplace strife from being caused by the emergence of robots.
- Cost: Robotics in the workplace may be theoretically conceivable, but is it now cost-effective? The price of an industrial robot might easily reach $100,000, which is a big investment.
- Interaction and unity: Yes, people become ill, but so do machines. They are not sick but can malfunction and need upkeep and repairs. Fixing this may be expensive and time-consuming and call for expertise.
THE HUMAN TOUCH
Robots are proficient at performing the tasks they have been trained to accomplish, but they will lack the human touch. How frequently does a workday go perfectly according to your plans? People can adjust and switch to the best task for the situation at hand. Robots can’t be flexible like that. Additionally, they lack the insight, creativity, and empathy necessary for organizations to confront and overcome all the obstacles they encounter.
Realizing that robots can and will have a role in the workplace is vital. The majority of workplaces may be transformed by the capabilities they provide. Their job should, however, complement and support the organization’s human resources, freeing them up to focus on their areas of expertise and enhancing their existing skill set with new abilities. Businesses that understand this and aren’t oblivious to the limits of robots will be in the best position to thrive as technology continues to change the nature of labor.
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