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With the advent of artificial intelligence and robotics, industries have largely progressed and automated most of their tasks. So has been the case with the workforce. Many industries have embraced new technologies readily, but some still dither. In 2019 alone, some 373000 industrial robots were installed, which is still less than the 420000 installed in 2018. And this number will grow considerably in the next few years as experts suggest.
From the most fundamental tasks like assembling parts of machines and welding to ones like packing and shipping, robots can do all this in much less time than humans.
With the improvements in robotics that specialists are working on, the next decade will see lower prices of industrial robots and a wider array of functions that they could perform. Both the developed and the developing technologies will benefit from this “industrial revolution,” as some hail it. However, the latter will benefit less mainly because developing countries provide labour at meager costs. Hence, manufacturers have no incentive to invest in robotics since they already pay less to have the same work done. The work sector has already been enjoying many perks ever since robotics has been incorporated in this field. And these benefits will grow in the next few years. Robotics will allow workers to speed up from the most mundane and repetitive tasks to the more complex ones.
Why we need to embrace Robotics
The use of robots in the industrial sector is nothing unheard of. In fact, many industries have been using robots to perform tasks that humans cannot…or at least not with the same accuracy and efficiency. However, with new technological advancements in the field of robotics, these robots have been revolutionized. Industries, and the workforce, need to embrace these new advancements to increase productivity and efficiency while reducing the overall cost. All companies, regardless of the size, can benefit from these robots. Recent developments have made it possible for us to be able to program robots ourselves. And we don’t need to hold a bachelor’s degree in software engineering to do so. Be it high-volume production or low-volume production; new robots can do it all.
Moving to the “bigger picture,” this has a direct impact on the GDP. Although the GDP is growing each year, the rate at which it does so has decreased. And incorporating AI-backed robots will produce greater profits, hence boosting the revenue.
It would also not make much sense to not upgrade to an option that allows you more profit, less margin of error, and less cost overall. The pros of embracing robotics would easily outweigh the cons.
Changes we might see in the next few years
Robotics is a relatively new field with much untapped potential. We have only just begun to see what this field holds for us. In the next few years, this rapidly evolving field will expand its horizon and create new, better-than-ever robots for all industries. More importantly, these robots will be considerably cheaper and will be mass-produced. The robots that exist today, although very helpful, are built to do a limited number of tasks. Specialists are working on robots that will be multipurpose and easily programmable.
The effect of Robotics on jobs
Although many researchers believe that the widespread use of robots in industries will lead to a massive part of the workforce’s jobs being put into jeopardy, many challenge the claim. Admittedly, there is some truth to it. And The widespread adoption of robots may threaten lower-tier jobs. But it also gives way to a range of different employment opportunities. Robot technicians, programmers, engineers, data analysts, system manufacturers, etc., will be increasingly needed in the coming years. The worth of these degrees is also going to grow significantly over the next few years. So although robots might replace labour, they will also create many jobs and bridge the gap.
Robots in workspaces
Factories aren’t the only place that will benefit from robots. Workspaces, too, will see an integration of robots working with humans. These robots will be more humanoid, with sensors allowing them to move without collisions and a construction that allows them more freedom of movement. Being able to put robots and humans side-by-side will be a great achievement. This will also open up new avenues for companies. Robots can already do the ‘brain’ work, being programmed to do so. But these robots will also be able to help physically in addition to that. Although the idea might seem odd to some, it will become normalized by the next decade or so.
There are very slim-to-no chances of “robots taking over the world.” But the chances of robots being commonly used in all industries for any number of tasks are very high. Technological growth, and the adoption of robotics, are inevitable. With companies striving to lead the industries, they constantly try to make changes to improve performance and reduce cost. And robots do just that. Robots will change the world for the better, and it would be in our best interest to be with the change than against it.
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