The human curiosity and desire for communication often inspire them to transfer their knowledge and speech patterns to other organisms and artificial creations. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and robots was not an exclusion – to talk to robots, scientists began designing the Robot Interaction Language (ROILA).1 It is a spoken language that was developed to communicate with robots. The difference of ROILA from other languages for computing is that it should be simple for both machines and humans to understand. For people, natural speech is the easiest way of sharing information, in contrast to programming languages and algorithms.
For robots, however, the fluidity of human communication is challenging as it often does not follow the rules that can be analyzed or deciphered.2 For this purpose, ROILA was created – it is a language that combines the learnability of natural languages and the optimization for machine recognition patterns.
The rules of ROILA were designed to mimic the standards of existing spoken languages. Thus, its alphabet is based on the main letters from the English language, but the pronunciation excludes all diphthongs to remove inconsistencies that occur due to vowels’ position in a word. All words are taken from Basic English, and the vocabulary is separated into three types. ROILA words have to follow a structure, including CVCV, CVCVC, and CVCVCV, where C is a consonant, and V is a vowel.3
Finally, the language’s grammar is isolating; affixes and inflections are replaced by word markers or additional words to specify the meaning. For example, a verb in the past tense such as “walked” turns into “walk jifi,” where “jifi” implies the past tense.4 While the rules of ROILA may be new to English speakers, its intuitive use of letters and words should simplify the learning and speaking experiences.
Robots, however, need to use human languages for several purposes. In business, research, and other spheres, machines have learned to recognize words, including their meanings and connection to each other. Nonetheless, the creative field is still in a major debate about robots possessing an ability to make art of any form. A question of whether a robot can simulate poetry or another creative text persists. Historically, it was believed that robots would be able to replace people only in spheres that were connected to monotonous work, construction, physical labor, or areas related to analysis and calculations.5 Creativity was a field completely separate from machines, being driven by humans’ innate originative skills.
Recent developments put this belief into question, with advanced AI technologies mimicking human behavior and thinking patterns with precision. Machines can learn using images, databases, social interactions, and algorithms.6 They can create pictures and images that are challenging for a person to differentiate from a human-made object. Several attempts were made in the field of poetry, in which a creative AI wrote a poem based on the information it examined.7
Moreover, the flexibility of the term “poetry” blurs the standards for what can be perceived as creative. Such projects as botpoet.com provide examples of poetry written by both people and robots that, sometimes, makes the task of guessing the authorship difficult.8 All in all, the question of robot creativity remains open as the research in this field is scarce. Nevertheless, the continuous stream of innovation and the quickly improving machine learning make the idea possible.
Pease, A., and A. Jordanous. ‘Report on the Eighth International Conference on Computational Creativity’, AI Magazine, vol. 39, no. 1, 2018, pp. 62-65.
Footnotes
‘About’. Web.
‘About’.
‘Language Guide’. Web.
‘Language Guide’.
A. Pease and A. Jordanous, ‘Report on the Eighth International Conference on Computational Creativity’, AI Magazine, vol. 39, no. 1, 2018, p. 63.
A. Pease and A. Jordanous, p. 64.
M. Monet, ‘Can a Robot Write Poetry?’, The Startup, 2019. Web.
The article, “Mobile robots and evolutionary optimization algorithms for green supply chain management in a used‑car resale company” by Sathiya et al. is the subject of the analysis. Sathiya et al. (2021) state that to ensure there are environmentally friendly goods in the supply chain context, a reverse supply chain (RSC) is the correct supply chain to use in the future. According to the article, some of the advantages of using an RSC include the ability to dump reusable components and emissions during transit, and presence of collection, recovery, recycling, dismantling, and re-manufacturing facilities (Sathiya et al., 2021). The goal is to minimize the amount of waste using new components, recover materials, and get rid of pollution. This paper will analyze the mobile robots’ article by Sathiya et al. in order to identify the influence that it suggests on supply chain management and acquisition in the future.
Mobile Robots Article Analysis
From the article, AGVs future can be utilized instead of traditional vehicle carrier trucks. As a result, they will be a great alternative to RSC’s transportation issues in the future (Sathiya et al., 2021). It will also be helpful for goods that need to be transported to airports and other remote distribution points (Sathiya et al., 2021). For example, goods like medical equipment can be taken to hospitals without the issue of loading them into a car. It eliminates the dangers of human error and decreases traffic congestion while increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
The research by the authors also proves that solar-powered AGVs are better than conventional AGVs. Solar-powered AGVs achieve mobility with solar panels with an electric motor at the rear. These robots can work more than 12 hours a day, seven days a week. The essential components of this AGV are standard industrial trucks equipped with solar panels and power equipment (Sathiya et al., 2021). The devices must have a minimum of 6 kW peak power to charge their batteries fully. Therefore, these robots can be used as a substitute for vehicle carriers in RSC. In the future, solar-powered AGVs will be a great alternative to the present vehicle carriers, especially in remote areas.
The HMODE and NSGA-II can be utilized to optimize all RSC activities. Therefore, they can be viewed as alternatives to existing procedures in the RSC management system (Sathiya et al., 2021). These algorithms will optimize the material flow and reduce costs by extracting optimal components from used cars. It also minimizes environmental impacts by employing new components to lower destruction and GHG emission. According to Sathiya et al. (2021) however, for the consumable’s goods, there is no necessity for reverse supply chain management and packaging services. Therefore, apart from consumable goods, the RSC will be vital in al the other supply chain management processes in the future.
One of the central problems associated with supply chain and acquisition is waste and pollution. Organizations have been trying to minimize their carbon emissions in recent years using new technologies and efficiency. The research article states that RSC’s future will come from using AGV technology to minimize waste and GHG emissions. Solar-powered AGVs are better than conventional AGVs because they have no carbon emissions and noise, reducing costs (Sathiya et al., 2021). The article shows that future use of RSC and AGV technology will be a great answer to an organization’s needs. It will not only improve transportation but also reduce waste and pollution. Companies can minimize their carbon emissions by using a new kind of transportation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article states that the carbon dilemma can be solved by embracing the new technology of AGV. The use of AGVs will help in reducing GHG emissions and waste products. This can be a solution to the problems of transportation while ensuring that all aspects of production and delivery are environmentally friendly. Even when minimal materials are used in an RSC system, they will help create a sustainable supply chain for companies.
At first, robot technology was an invention whose aim was to fascinate the human being. Its ability to imitate certain characteristics of a human being, and its ability to do certain specific tasks that it was programmed to do is a point of fascination and impression. Inventors would display their technological skill through making such inventions that would outdo human beings in performing certain tasks.
For instance, the French brothers, Pierre and Henri have been credited for inventing a doll that is capable of playing the Piano. Such early inventions proved to be of no economic or social value to the community, yet the idea of letting robots assist in some of the human activities was still to be unveiled.
Since this time in the eighteenth century to date, robotics has revolutionized to a point that it threatens to face off some of the common duties that a human being performs.
One look at the modern industries will give an idea as to what extent robots have been engaged in performing human duties. Though most of what they do involve only small functions that they could possibly perform, man has done a lot to ease the amount of work that he needs to do. This paper seeks to persuade business persons and government institutions to implement the use of robots in their working fields.
The idea here is to give the importance of using robots and the amounts of benefits prospected from their use. On the other hand, the paper is purposely written to convince people to get used to the fact that robots are a part of humanity and that they should involve them in their day-to-day activities.
Level of Acceptance of Robots by the Human Being
Regardless of what other people think, robot technology has ultimately taken over a greater part of our day-to-day activities. Even without noticing it, robots perform more duties in our daily lives than we can even realize. For example, robots make human beings save a lot of time in reaching their destinations since they are capable of preventing the build up of traffic jams. A robot can guide one in booking a holiday trip online.
In the same regard, computers offer a credible amount of aid in schools for many children (Doyle, 169). Many have tried to argue that the robot technology has reduced the amount of jobs available and therefore; many people have lost their jobs. Most of these people argue that due to the increasing number of computer equipped robots, the banking industry, the technical industry and even the administrative departments of many countries have suffered great losses at the expense of these inventions.
The above chart is a breakdown of industrial robots worldwide.
Nevertheless, there are more jobs being created even when some are being lost. Technology simply brings with it a different twist of nature whereby one party looses as the other gains. The world cannot at any one point demand that robot inventions should stop. These creations have assisted men in doing more than meets the eye.
The use of robots has made it possible for man to make great strides in certain fields like astronomy, medicine and even geology. Further discoveries concerning the earth, the outer space and the unreachable places have been made due to the presence of these robots. Microbiological discoveries in medicine have been accomplished through certain assistance from robots, which have the ability to analyze objects through a microscopic eye.
Doyle also puts it that of late, trade unions have come to the realization that they cannot do without technology. They have been seriously affected for the past few decades, yet, they are quite realistic about the whole issue. The telephone industry for example, lost 33000 of its workforce to technology.
Yet it has realized that looking at the bigger picture the technology upgrade has benefited the population more than the workers would. The same applied for the television industry. Instead, the workforce implemented counter attacking methods in order to prevent the loss of shares in the market. Very soon, analysts predict that the world will be on the verge of a purely electronic age. The most that the workforce can do now is to prepare adequately for such moments in order to gain a maximum yield from such a change in time.
Industries/ Fields that should have Robot participation
Without doubt, the technological advancement has given rise to a very new view of the industrial sector in the developing world. The need for each industry to work faster, produce more and be more accuracy has led to the initiation of robot technology in the same rate. The reason for this change is simple. Robots work without getting tired or losing concentration. The human being is affected by so many internal and external factors leading to inefficiency. Robots are the complete opposite of this.
They are not affected by such factors as environmental conditions and exhaustion. In the 1990s, robots were mainly used in hazardous environments. These are places where possible health risks would occur for workers in that particular area. Nevertheless, the demand for more in the market has contributed majorly in shifting the focus of using these robots in these places to replacing manual production of goods in most industries.
Probably one of the biggest industries that would benefit greatly in the use of robots is the automobile industry in China. With the demand of such products like motor cycles and better automobile machines from the market, China’s industries would benefit greatly.
The industry should abandon the previous behavior of importation, assimilation and adoption of foreign ideas and concentrate on robotic technology. This though will have to rely on how fast the electrical and automobile industry will perform over the next few years. This is so if the country will want to reach its optimum potential in the near future.
In addition, spot welding can gain greatly from computer technology since a lot of calculation concerning tool trajectory can be done more accurately. Intelligent systems of paths to be followed when welding can also be done through these applications. The other beneficiary to robotics can be the machine tool industry. Robots have the advantage of applying programmed languages in planning systems and compiling sensory data in cell components.
Other advantages of using robots include their speed and accuracy, reduction in the time and effort used in general work and in the long run, saving up on time, energy and resource (Rembold, 41). On the other hand, automobiles are a good example of how technology can backfire in the present world. The exhaust gases from the automobiles pollute the atmosphere so much that the next technology must find a way to heal the environment.
Probably one of the greatest beneficiaries of robotics is the aerospace industry. The amount of accuracy and precision that is required in this industry will require the use of equipments that can manage sensitive tasks such as sealing, riveting, metal routing, and analysis of finished products.
Painting of interior parts of the aircrafts, drilling through fuselage panels, assembly of every circuit board required can all benefit from the precision that the robots possess. Off-line programming and general assembly will also require the use of robots. (Rembold, 43).
Advantages and disadvantages of using Robots
From the discussions that have been given above, one can single out a few benefits and challenges that have been posed over time by the introduction or the continuous use of robots in the real world.
In as much as it has brought about some form of revolution in the industrial sector in most countries, there will never lack challenges that will come with its use. Below is a general overview of the advantages that the technology carries with it, after which we are going to discuss some of the disadvantages of implementing the use of robots in our industries or our daily activities.
Advantages
The main advantage that will stand out for all types of robots is their ability to give quality performance. The dramatic improvement on accuracy of the task that is performed has made the robots gain more demand in the industries that have turned to their use. The comparison between robot performance and manual performance is almost too large.
This is because robots possess the ability to achieve certain tasks faster and precisely with the ratio in the precision of humans to that of robots being very low. Human beings are prone to mistakes due to factors that are either internal or external. Another advantage that robots have is their production capacity. Human beings have the challenge of pausing to take breaks, sleep and vacations.
Robots make work easy.
Robots on the other hand constantly perform with little requirement for maintenance. Consequently, their production capability increases, coupled with accuracy to give an efficient output. Dangerous jobs are left for robots. This ultimately increases work safety as the workers are moved up the ladder to supervisory levels. Dangerous levels of performance can therefore be maintained with no human being at risk of any hazardous conditions.
Finally, there is a lot of saving on resources all round. For employers, working with one robot that performs the overall amount of work that more than five employees would otherwise do gives him a financial advantage. Not only does a robot save financially but they also save a lot of time used in production or servicing. Energy consumption is also reduced with the correct use of robots and this leads to great amount of savings for a company (RobotWorx, 1).
Disadvantages
The amount of investment needed, especially in starting a company utilizing robots is great. Considering such factors as shifting workers’ roles, giving retrenchments, purchasing the robotic equipment and the regular maintenance cost may become a difficult activity to carry out.
One will have to count the possible cost of replacing manual work with robotic work and strike a balance. In essence, this will lead us to look at the rate of a robot’s Return on Investment (ROI). It is not obviously guaranteed that whenever one invests in a robot, his returns will shoot up. One will have to compare the numbers that are within the investment and the ones that are currently running without this kind of investment. Without taking much care, this same technology may as well lead to great losses for the company.
Moreover, the use of robots that are capable of making autonomous decisions is not advisable in areas to do with surveillance and giving care to the elderly persons. This is because these robots have the ability to make decisions without any human involvement. These robots have been used in the military.
However, many people feel that the autonomous robots may kill many people accidentally. In addition, studies indicate that Samsung is in the process of designing a robotic sentinel that can be used to man the border between South and North Korea. This gadget will be provided with a gun and cameras. This is naturally a risky gadget in any environment because the increase in the number of robots leads to escapism on the part of human beings.
Yet another disadvantage of using the robot is the level of expertise that is required by employees. We have just discovered that the robot gives the employee a leap up the ranks in the workplace. The problem in doing this is that management may have to retrain its workforce to be able to interact better with the new technology.
A lot of time is wasted in doing this and thus this can have a negative impact on the finances of a company. It is usually an expensive activity. Finally, as much as robots create safety for the worker through replacing them in certain dangerous environments, there are also other safety concerns that come with robots. One has to be careful of such activities as malfunction and imbalances that pose as hazards for workers who interact with these machines (RobotWorx)
More so, technology can change our sense of common purpose. For many years, human beings are used to do everything for themselves. The new standard for survival means making money to go to a mall or supermarket and get everything a family needs. With technology one does not have to physically go to a bank, withdraw cash and do the shopping.
With robotic technology, everything has been made easier. The technology does the work. Humans no longer do the work; they would rather oversee or totally avoid doing the work. If the machines fail to do the work, then the effect is felt on the production level.
Robot and shopping trolley.
Economic and Social Impact of Robot Technology
Clearly, there has been some form of impact brought about by this new technology over the ages. In this post industrialized world that we live in, the replacement of human workforce with robots has had a significant impact on the way life is viewed by most people in the industrialized world. For instance, the American automobile industry has sent packing a large number of its workforce due to the introduction of these machines. Consequently, labor unions have moved to curb the job losses until the senior workers have retired or currently working employees are retrained.
The growth rate in a country will also determine the impact that robots create. For example, since robots make work done far more efficient, goods that are produced are of high quality. The company head will have to balance off the selling price of the goods, taking into consideration the purchasing power of the worker who has been laid off. Most industrialized nations are having a hard time dealing with this fact, yet the robotic technology has to continue even as these challenges are being addressed.
The machines nevertheless are a remarkable agent of social transformation, which has furthered industrialization from where it was to what is currently being termed as super industrialization. The effect of having to understand the functionality of these machines even by normal civilians has caused extensive advancement in education levels as early as the childhood level.
With the increase in technology, comes an increase in knowledge. We cannot assume the impact that robots have eventually had on the food market, being the most important industry in any country. One farmer in an industrialized country has the ability of feeding at least one hundred people in the world. In addition, the world has moved at a faster rate, since the rate of production, service, transportation and marketing has increased.
Contrary To this, when manufacturing plants cut back on the number of workers, social security crisis is inevitable. The fact that not enough workers pay into the system due to the reduction on the number of employees, substantially has an adverse effect on the social security pool.
In the past, if there were five workers assembling doors on cars then there would be five salaries with each contributing towards the pool. When the robots took over, only one technician is needed to control the robot, hence a reduction in the amount that goes into the social security pool. However, the other four individuals will still need social security. As a result of this, the amount of money available for social security decreases. With this in mind, the question is, are the robots really better than manual labor? (Marinelli p.9 -10).
Conclusion
Robots are part of us; they are a part of the growing technology that we all desired in the beginning. The fact remains that technology constantly advances year after year. More inventions arise, all with the aim of making man’s life a little more comfortable.
Without this technology, and with the constant increase in population and the heightened demands from the society, life would be unbearable. Even in our daily lives, some form of robotic technology possibly took part in making life more bearable. With all the negative implications that come with the technology, we cannot do away with them, especially with the amount of aid they give to man.
The most we can do is to accept their existence as part of this new generation and try to reduce any negative impact caused by their presence. Just as food is of unavoidable importance to the human body, consuming excess of it possesses a great health risk. In the same way, robots have a threshold in which they could possibly assist man. They can and should only be used to assist in the different activities and not replace man completely from his activities.
Robots act as managers.
Works Cited
Doyle, Stephen. “Trade Union reaction to computers”. GCSE Computer Studies for you. 2010. Gloucester, United Kingdom: Nelson Thornes. 169.
Marinelli, Olivia. From human to robots: The consequences of labor replacement in the automobile industry. 2008.
Rembold, Ulrich. “Types of Robots and their Integration into CIM Systems.” Robot technology and applications. 2010. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. 41-43.
Soft Robotics is a relatively new and rapidly developing field of robotics. The field has gained significant attention in recent years due to the potential for soft robots to interact with the environment and human beings more intuitively and safely. It has opened up new avenues for developing robots that can interact with the environment and human beings in a more intuitive and safe manner.
The Advantages and Challenges of Soft Robotics
Precision Applications
One of the critical advantages of soft robots is their ability to deform and adapt to their surroundings, making them ideal for tasks that require a high degree of flexibility and expertise. For example, soft robots can be designed to conform to the shape of an object, allowing them to easily grip and manipulate objects of different shapes and sizes (Lee et al., 2020). It makes them ideal for tasks that require precision and delicacy, such as surgical procedures or delicate handling of electronic components.
The Improved Safety
In addition to their capability and adaptability, soft robots offer improved safety. Walker et al. (2020) note that one of the most notable benefits is their improved safety. Since they are made of soft and flexible materials, they are less likely to cause harm or damage to their surroundings or the people they interact with (Walker et al., 2020). This makes them ideal for applications in sensitive environments, such as medical or industrial settings.
Machine Learning
Despite these advantages, there are some challenges associated with soft robotics. It includes the lack of robustness and reliability in specific applications (Kim et al., 2021). To overcome these challenges, researchers have turned to machine-learning techniques to enhance the performance of soft robots (Kim et al., 2021). Kim et al. (2021) illustrate that machine learning algorithms can be optimized by controlling soft robots and improving their adaptability and robustness in complex and dynamic environments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, soft robotics is experiencing tremendous growth. With the capacity for adjustment and reaction to changing environmental conditions, soft robots offer significant potential for revolutionizing how robots interact with the environment and human beings. The advancements in materials science and the integration of machine learning algorithms have enabled soft robots to become more sophisticated and capable. As a result, they are being seen as a critical element in various applications.
References
Kim, D., Kim, S. H., Kim, T., Kang, B. B., Lee, M., Park, W., Ku, S., Kim, D., Kwon, J., Lee, H., Bae, J., Park, Y. L., Cho, K. J., & Jo, S. (2021). Review of machine learning methods in soft robotics. PLOS ONE, 16(2), e0246102. Web.
Lee, Y., Song, W., & Sun, J. Y. (2020). Hydrogel soft robotics. Materials Today Physics, 15, 100258. Web.
The author indicates that the manner in which different roles are completed on the warehouse floor has changed significantly within the past decade.
Emerging firms have managed to create modern technologies and robots that are capable of working alongside human beings.
It should be observed that the technology is not intended to replace manpower completely.
Companies such as RK Logistics Group, 6 River Systems Inc., and Duetsche Post AG’s DHL have benefited from this technology.
The use of swarming robots makes it easier for workers to identify and transport a wide range of goods and materials across a warehouse.
The strategy has been observed to streamline and support various logistical activities.
The unique benefits of this emerging technology are presented in the article.
For instance, collaborative robots tend to be small. This means that they can function effectively in different warehouses.
They are cheap in comparison to automated systems and conveyor belts that consume a lot of warehouse space.
Employees working alongside these robots are guided adequately. This method makes it possible for companies to achieve their objectives in a timely manner.
The technology is capable of addressing the unique challenges caused by modern developments such as online marketing, customer demands, and changing labor markets.
The author of the article shows that such aspects continue to make it hard for firms to fill various warehouse jobs.
According to Smith, warehouses characterized by small spaces might not be filled with more people.
Robots are smaller and capable of completing a wide range of roles.
Different robots working side by side with employees can complete complex duties and eventually deliver positive results.
Course Relation
The ideas and concepts presented in this article support the ones discussed in class. The ultimate goal of business organizations is to maximize profits. The concepts outlined below can be linked with the attributes identified in the article.
Management theories:
Organizational theories focus on the best initiatives to improve performance. This can be achieved through the use of a friendly working environment. The approach fosters employee empowerment and eventually results in profits.
The article reveals that the use of robots can result in both profit maximization and employee empowerment.
This information appears to echo the ideas discussed in class.
Robots can support the performance of employees in different warehouses.
The practice is associated with efficiency in different operations.
When these robots work together with different people, tasks are completed efficiently and in a timely manner.
This achievement will eventually result in improved performance and realization of various organizational intentions.
The course explores a wide range of approaches that are considered to create value in organizations.
Value creation is a wide concept that seeks to improve performance through the application of evidence-based practices.
Companies that succeed in this area will deliver high-quality products or services to their respective customers.
The firms analyzed in the article such as Duetsche Post AG’s DHL have benefited significantly from the use of collaborative robots.
They have addressed existing challenges and created value in different logistical operations.
The use of robots emerges as a value creation strategy for many companies.
Roles and responsibilities of management:
The class discussions have identified specific roles of managers and leaders. They should support the needs of their followers, create friendly working environments, implement new changes, and adopt systems capable of improving performance.
The article offers meaningful insights that resonance with the functions and responsibilities of management. Robotic technology emerges as a superior change capable of driving organizational performance.
Critical Analysis
If collaborative robots have the potential to transform the experiences and performance of workers, managers should embrace the power of the technology to improve their respective working environments.
The most important goal of every firm should be to realize its aims without jeopardizing the welfare of its stakeholders.
Collaborative robots, as described in this article, are not intended to promote layoffs or retrenchments.
Companies can realize their potential if they considered the ideas obtained from the article.
Consequently, such firms will remain relevant in their respective sectors or industries.
Firms operating in different sectors can embrace the use of robots since they are cheaper to acquire and maintain.
They also improve the manner in which a wide range of activities are completed.
The process creates value in different supply chains, thereby making it easier for more firms to deliver high-quality products to their customers.
The approach results in business profitability.
Players in this promising field should consider the benefits that might be realized from the adoption of robots to complete various tasks.
Since many warehouses have recorded positive results due to the use of this technology, different industries or organizational departments should pursue similar ambitions.
The initiative will make it easier for more companies to achieve their objectives.
Research and development (R&D) should be pursued in order to ensure cheaper and more efficient robots are available to different organizations.
In conclusion, managers who focus on these changes will be in a position to achieve their goals.
Food for thought: Can you imagine the major achievements that could be realized if more companies embraced the power of collaborative robots?
The future of technology in the changing world is uncertain. Scientists and researchers are coming up with new ideas and new inventions that might affect people in different ways. The development of robots has enabled people to do various things concurrently without necessarily having to be present.
In fact, robots and human beings have interacted to the extent that human beings cannot do without robots. Robots make work easy and they enhance the quality of life (Nomura et al. 2009). However, there is a need to worry about the future, as people might have to rethink about their mode of working, resting, and playing.
The autonomous robots that seem to be very helpful might have negative changes on the lives of human beings. This paper will discuss the various ways in which the development of autonomous robots will change human lives positively and negatively.
Positive changes
Simplification of duties
In the modern society, autonomous robots have made it easy for human beings to accomplish tasks that require a lot of time to time and energy. Since they are self sufficient, the autonomous robots have the capacity to work in the absence of human beings.
Robots have played a significant role in enabling people to live better and simple lives. There is a very high probability that future autonomous robots will be more mobile than the current ones. They might have the capability to perform many tasks and human beings might have to relax most of the times.
There is a possibility that human beings will stop doing dangerous, boring, and strenuous chores (Danaher 2011). Currently, dishwashers have replaced the task of washing dishes using hands, while washing machines have saved human beings from the laborious chore of washing clothes manually.
There are numerous robots in the current world, and with the enhancement of technology, human beings might have to do less work than they are doing right now. In the future, robots will help in doing menial tasks as human beings employ their intelligence elsewhere. In fact, human beings are likely to make new inventions, as they will have sufficient time at their disposal.
Improved social life
People have always believed that work is a necessity for life. Although it might be true that people need to work to earn a living, there is no need to engage in traditional full-time employment. Automated robots will play a great role in handling blue-collar jobs as human beings spend most of their time finding new models of earning.
People will have the inspiration to redefine their notions about work and employment, and review their social lives. The development of autonomous robots will enable human beings to work smart instead of working hard. Therefore, people will have time to care for their families, friends, and relatives.
People will have more time to spend on leisure and self-improvement as robots do the work for them. They will offer social support that is necessary in healing the ailing societies as well as the people in it.
Economic growth
Scientists invented robots to reduce human error at the workplace and increase the efficiency of production. Big industrial companies are still enjoying the efficient production attributed to the use of robots. The future of the industrial companies is bright as enhanced robots are coming into the market.
Increased productivity plays a critical role in developing the economy of a particular region and improving the standards of living. Wherever companies rise economically, they have the potentiality of opening new branches and creating new job opportunities. It is evident that robots will play a significant role in enhancing economic growth and in enhancing the living standards in the future.
Reduced cost of production
Big companies find the cost of maintaining employees to be very high. While performing difficult and dangerous tasks, employers have to part with huge sums of monies to compensate the workers. Moreover, employers have to ensure that their employees have health insurance covers and employee benefits that are quite costly.
However, with the invention of robots, the production cost might reduce significantly (Wallé 2008). In the future, industrial robots will have the capacity to perform difficult and dangerous tasks repeatedly without complaining.
It is worth noting that robots do not need expensive health care insurances, and neither do they need benefits like human beings. The productivity of most companies will increase as the cost of production reduces significantly.
Increased precision
Precision is inevitable in the medical and military fields that deal with people’s lives. The introduction of humanoid robots to perform surgical procedures enhanced surgical procedures. Surgeries went on smoothly while patients recovered very fast, as there were no human errors.
In the future, scientists might develop enhanced robots to work in the medical field. The number of deaths might decrease significantly, and the time patients spend in hospitals will decrease. It is noteworthy that robots have the capacity to manage the distribution of medications to hospitals and pharmacies.
In future, the precise administrative roles offered by robots are likely to be more effective than they are currently. Various institutions are likely to adopt the robot management systems, and the number of errors will reduce significantly. In the military field, the robots will play a great role in enhancing military operations and in protecting the lives of people.
Enhanced educational systems
Robots have played a great role in enhancing the educational system in various learning institutions. The medical field, for example, has found robots to be very beneficial for administration and instructional purposes. Medical students use robots as test subjects, and the experience that students gain surpasses the normal experience with instructors.
Other educational institutions are also experiencing the benefits of instructional robots, and the future of education is bright with enhancement of technology.
Negative changes
Safety risks
Autonomous robots might prove to be very risky whenever they malfunction. The autonomous military robots, for example, have the ability to attack independently. In case of a malfunction, they might attack solders instead of attacking the targeted people (Bruce 2013).
Such cases would endanger the lives of innocent citizens who need protection from the military officers. It is evident that people living in developed nations use robots to perform household chores like cleaning, babysitting, and mowing.
However, cases of autonomous humanoid robots malfunctioning and killing children while babysitting might increase in the future. Children might have to change the way they play around with the robots. Moreover, people have a tendency of letting humanoid robots to take care of the elderly. The physical and ecological damage that robots might cause is immeasurable, and these incidences might change the lives of human beings negatively.
Possibility of increased unemployment
Autonomous robots perform roles that human beings performed previously. In the future, employers might find it unnecessary to hire new employees, as autonomous robots will do much of the work. Apparently, one robot can perform the role of about ten employees.
Moreover, humans are prone to making errors as compared to robots; thus, employees might resolve to work with autonomous robots instead of the human beings. The number of autonomous robots entering the market is increasing on a daily basis (Guizzo 2010). This is a clear indication that upon retirement of the current employees, developed nations might replace the current workforce with robots that will have efficient productivity.
The number of unemployed people might rise in the future and people might have to think of developing new ways of working. The machines that seem to be beneficial might lead human beings to a darkened age of miserly due to unemployment.
Change of culture
Humanoid robots have appearances similar to those of human beings. They act like human beings and they can entertain and offer efficient companion to human beings. In the future, humanoid robots might have the intelligence and emotions similar to those of human beings.
Human beings might resolve to interact and live with autonomous robots instead of living with other human beings (Robertson 2010). There is a fear that robots and human beings might develop social relationships that might be harmful to the society. Cases of human beings intermarrying with humanoid robots might increase, and the culture might change negatively.
Dominance of the robots
Humanoid robots have artificial intelligence that resembles the intelligence quotient of human beings. With the enhancement of technology, the robots’ intelligence levels might surpass that of human beings (Eisenberg 2002). In case the robots reach a point of matching the human capabilities, they might outperform humans and dominate them.
It is also noteworthy that robots are faster and more accurate than human beings are. They can process data and knowledge, and their potentiality might increase in the future. The worst reality is that the existence of robots obstructs human reasoning. Therefore, human beings will have to be more cautious while working with the robots than they are today.
Closure of small companies
It is evident that acquisition of new technology is very expensive. This unfortunate reality has adverse effects on small companies. While big companies will enjoy the positive effects of increased productivity, small companies might suffer because of the unconquerable struggle to outweigh the big companies.
The production costs of the small companies would remain significantly high, and such companies will only make profits if they sell their products and services at significantly high prices. Customers will obviously go for low priced products and services, and the small companies are likely to experience low sales.
With decreased sales, the profits decrease significantly, and the outcome is that the small companies would be incapable of running their operations and they would finally collapse.
Incompetent graduates
The rapid development of technology is proving to be a threat to the current education system. There is a fear that educational institutions might coach students with skills that might be outdated in the future. The uncertain future is a threat to the educational system as there is no sure way of preparing students for the robotic-centric work environment.
The job market in the future might be too demanding, and only a few graduates will possess the skills needed in the job market. Since the robots will perform all the manual work, human beings will have to perform duties that require critical thinking.
In such a case, only the most intelligent and most educated people will compete with the autonomous robots (Singer 2009). Since a standard population will consist of average and highly intelligent people, the average minded people might have difficulties in keeping up with the pace of the evolving world.
Conclusion
From the discussions, it is evident that autonomous robots will have both negative and positive changes in the lives of human beings. However, the robots are part of the enhanced technology that is imperative in the evolving world. Therefore, people should learn to embrace the positive changes that autonomous robots will bring to their lives.
Although people might view advanced technology as one of the contributing factors to unemployment, it would be important to rethink of how the autonomous robots help in creating reformed types of employment opportunities. Technology will play a great role in enhancing work relations in a socially beneficial manner.
Autonomous robots will help in enhancing the nature of work that human beings do, as they will act as poor labour substitutes. The fear of dominance of robots is insufficient as human beings have the capability to control their destiny.
Humans have the ability to control the social, political, and economic systems with the help of the robots. They can decide to control the population of robots depending on the societal needs. Overall, robot technology will play a significant role in changing human lives positively; therefore, people should learn to embrace all the changes that might arise due to the development of autonomous robots.
References
Bruce, N 2013, ‘U.N. expert calls for halt in military robot development’, The New York Times, 30 May, p. 16.
Danaher, J 2011, ‘The laws of thought’, The Philosopher. Web.
Eisenberg, A 2002, ‘What’s next: designers take robots out of human hands’, The New York Times, 28 February, p. 9.
Nomura, T, Kanda, T, Suzuki, T, & Kato, K 2009, ‘Age differences and images of robots: social survey in Japan’, Interaction Studies, vol.103, no. 1, pp. 374 –391.
Robertson, J 2010, ‘Gendering humanoid robots: robo-sexism in Japan’, Body & Society, vol.16, no.1, pp. 1-36.
Singer, P 2009, Wired for war: the robotics revolution and conflict in the 21st century, Penguin Press, New York, NY.
Wallé, J 2008, The history of the industrial robot, Linköpings University, Sweden.
Assisting a specialist in providing healthcare services;
Assistance in disease management and providing information on diseases;
Training the necessary skills;
Fixing general motor function and the motor function of the limbs;
Enhancing the interaction between a patient and the doctor.
Though using technological solutions in healthcare has never been anything out of the ordinary, using robotic devices to assist patients was suggested only in mid-2000s (Bogue, 2011).
Nevertheless, the amount of robot-assisted medical procedures has grown greatly. Making only 80,000 in 2007, in 2009, the amount of instances when robotic devices were used in healthcare grew to 205,000.
People have been obsessed with the idea of having robots as their assistants since the very concept of a robot was created. However, using robots as medical doctors’ assistants has been only a figment of the most daring dreams until recently. According to the recently obtained data, robots have become an integral part of nursing programs over the past few months. At present, however, robots perform the required minimum of management roles, which are:
patient’s transfer,
walk training,
balance training,
assisting a specialist in providing healthcare services;
enhancing the communication between a patient and a doctor.
It is worth mentioning, though, that the use of robots in healthcare has also become a considerable ethical issue. To justify their suspicions, the opponents of robotized healthcare services insist on the unpredictability of robotic mechanisms.
Robots in Healthcare and Surgical Initiatives: The Recent Innovations
Robot s as assistants for surgeons and a Tool for Diagnosis
Improvements of ST-elevated myocardial infraction treatment;
Patient flow increases, becoming more timely and efficient;
Better surgical options, such as 3-D color image;
More precision in open surgery.
Robot Healthcare: Downsides and Controversies
Mechanisms can be damaged;
Mechanisms can be programmed the wrong way;
Mechanisms lack flexibility and the ability to analyze unprecedented situations.
Conclusions
Robotic healthcare helps improve the quality of services;
Robots cannot substitute people;
Robotic mechanisms provide ample opportunities for people who need healthcare services.
Apart from using robots for management purposes, healthcare organizations have started promoting the use of robotized mechanisms in the course of surgeries. The developers of robotic mechanisms for healthcare improvement have come up with a number of innovations that are worth using to perform operations with better quality. According to Munson Healthcare data, robots help improve the surgical treatment of STEM infraction, allow for better precision in the course of operations, provide more surgical options (including 3-D) and reduce the invasive procedures to minimum (Munson Healthcare, n. d., A-4). However, it is necessary to mention that there is no silver bullet for surgical operations, and relying solely on robots will be a mistake as well. . Among the downsides of robotic healthcare, the unforeseen damage of the mechanism and a lack of flexibility can be mentioned. Therefore, robot healthcare services are an important step forward, yet it needs improvement.
Reference List
Automaton (2012). Where are the elder care robots? Web.
Bogue, R. (2011). Robots in healthcare. The Industrial Robot, 38(3), 218- 223.
Grifantini, S. (2010). Robots for our old age. Web.
Robotics is a discipline of engineering and computer science that deals with robots’ design, manufacture, maintenance, and utilization. Robotics strives to create devices that can support and benefit people. Mechanical engineering, mechatronics, information engineering, electronics, biotechnology, computer programming, software development, and mathematics are included in robotics. In designing a robot, it is necessary to highlight the stage of testing and simulations, which, combined into separate courses, can identify possible drawbacks and errors. What concerns the elaboration of an obstacle course in a “real-world” simulation, it is essential to ensure the presence of several procedure testing steps that will determine the functionality of a robot.
A robot is considered a machine capable of automatically performing a complicated set of activities, particularly one that a computer can program. Advanced cyber-physical technologies, including robotics systems, are often associated with the physical and software components that are supposed to alter over time (Jamshidi et al., 2019). A remote control system can direct a robot, or the control can be included inside the machine itself. Although some robots are meant to resemble humans, most are task-oriented technologies focusing on basic utility rather than expressive aesthetics. Humanoids, industrial machines, medical operational robots, patient aid robotic systems, cooperatively programmed robots, and minuscule nanorobots are examples of autonomous and semi-autonomous robots. A robot may obtain a sense of consciousness or think of its own by replicating a realistic look or automating motions, and autonomous devices are likely to transmit in the future.
Considering the process of constructing a robot, it is important to highlight several specific building stages that can be universal. Establishing a purpose for the robot is the first phase, which allows determining its specific capabilities, which, as a result, will help the creators set the necessary tasks. Secondly, select whether the robot will operate on a manufacturing or intelligent operating system, depending on whether constructors are developing an industrial or conceptual computer. Thirdly, designing the machine’s central command module, which will be in charge of decision-making, and constructing a shell will provide physical characteristics and functionality.
The purpose of the course is defined by the need to ensure the robot can navigate in space, detect barriers and effectively abolish them. In order to elaborate an obstacle course that can test the autonomy of simple robots, it is possible to select a “real-world” simulation as a course general design approach. What concerns a “real-world” simulation, this testing concept is based on the assessment of how efficiently a robot is able to avoid obstacles and solve issues in practical and real circumstances, as in Figure 1 (Pandey et al., 2019). Moreover, in this simulation, a robot’s performance is scored and analyzed in a scoring system, which collects and sorts data. Firstly, to create a specific course, it is obligatory to identify the design concept and the key features and components of the robot that has to be tested.
Figure 1. Testing autonomy: ideal trajectory of robot navigation between obstacles
Referring to the technical characteristics and components, the robot will include chassis, wheels, motors, motherboards, a proportional integrative derivative controller, and a microprocessor that will allow the robot to execute a program. Since the course design is dedicated to the ability of a robot to avoid real obstacles in a condition of a simulation, it is important to emphasize the presence of sensor component options. The robot should possess a metal detector that can identify objects on the ground, ultrasonic sensors that determine proximity to objects, and a compass that uses the Earth’s magnetic field to select directions. In addition, it is essential to apply LED flasher technology since it emits flashing lights at variable frequencies.
What concerns the map of the proposed course, it can be stated that it should be compiled of conditions and challenges for the moving process of a robot. Furthermore, it should include a function that will enable a sufficient level of communication with the receivers. Regarding certain steps and procedural descriptions of the course implementation, it is possible to identify a simulation where a robot is required to navigate around inconsistently located objects, for instance, a remote control machine. With the help of this procedure step, it is feasible to evaluate the degree of the robot’s successful decision-making in a situation that demands rapid adjustments. Moreover, the second step is devoted to changing the robot’s initial position in the space before testing. In this case, the robot is proposed to start moving from different points selected randomly. Therefore, this process excludes pattern behavior and ensures effective orientation in varying settings. Finally, the third step describes the measurement of the robot’s velocity and analysis what speed level can be considered maximum. When it accelerates, the probability of failing the autonomous obstacle testing can increase.
To summarize, a robot is considered a machine capable of automatically performing a complicated set of activities, particularly one that a computer can program. The objective of the course is to guarantee that the robot can traverse in space, detect obstacles, and properly eliminate them. It is conceivable to use a “real-world” simulation as a basic design strategy for creating an obstacle course that can test the autonomy of simple robots. The robot will have chassis, wheels, motors, motherboards, a proportional integrative derivative controller, and a processor that will allow the robot to conduct a program, among other technological characteristics and components. What concerns the recommended course map is that it should be composed of circumstances and problems for a robot’s movement.
References
Jamshidi, P., Cámara, J., Schmerl, B., Käestner, C., & Garlan, D. (2019). Machine learning meets quantitative planning: Enabling self-adaptation in autonomous robots. 2019 IEEE/ACM 14th International Symposium on Software Engineering for Adaptive and Self-Managing Systems, 39-50. Web.
Pandey, A., Kashyap, A. K., Parhi, D. R., & Patle, B. K. (2019). Autonomous mobile robot navigation between static and dynamic obstacles using multiple ANFIS architecture. World Journal of Engineering, 16(2), 275-286. Web.
The problem of machines replacing human labor is vital not only in our perception of the present, where robots and artificial intelligence are gradually replacing humans. In fact, this situation can be traced in history for centuries. Many technologies are associated with the simplification of complex functions, and progress in this way has historically eliminated the need for one or another human labor. However, due to the digitalization and automation of many processes, the workforce began to be supplanted by computers even more intensively.
Technologies in the Times of the COVID-19
Additional worrisome prospects are observed precisely in the 2020s, when the pandemic that swept the world changed the rules of doing business and began to dictate its own rules. Due to the need for companies and industries to continue functioning, while people found themselves in a situation of needing to isolate themselves from each other, robots have replaced many workers. Automation of initially human work turned out to be not only safer based on the pandemic situation, but also proved to be more cost-effective. Many of the costs of complying with the isolation rules, the costs associated with the spread of the disease, can actually be offset by replacing the workforce with robots. Analysts predict robots could replace two million manufacturing workers by 2025 (Semuels). However, this data may be changed because the COVID-19 impact is hard to predict, understand, and analyze.
Robots Replacing Humans in Workplace
Robots are able to perform basic work at a high level due to a number of skills to be implemented as a part of their programs. As a rule, such work does not require specific social intelligence like emotional involvement or the manifestation of social and intellectual education (Partington). Artificial intelligence can be used to make automated calls, notifying the addressee or even providing automated assistance, and advice to a live interlocutor. Robots are gradually displacing the workforce in the textile and clothing industries, leaving a large number of the lower class in India out of work, unable to obtain other income. Automation is a rapidly evolving process in the service industry, as cashiers and waiters can potentially be supplanted by machines. The ongoing process of automation in the service sector has the potential to leave millions of people unemployed.
Robots and AI in Healthcare
The use of robots in medicine has a long history, since robots performed the simplest operations back in the 1990s. However, at the moment, artificial intelligence can be used not only for performing mechanical physical labor. The mechanisms turn out to be able to solve intellectual problems using the loaded database for decision making. Algorithms designed to analyze medical history and establish a diagnosis and treatment strategy are already being actively implemented in hospitals. At the moment, the automatic diagnostic process can demonstrate itself as more reasonable and qualified than the conclusions of another medical worker, simply by virtue of the ability to process more information. Thus, the professions, like those of diagnostic doctors or nurse coordinators, can be easily replaced by an analytical program.
Threats and Opportunities
Many benefits and threats are usually associated with the implementation of robots in everyday activities. At the moment, it is claimed that more than 1.5 million rudimentary work tasks have been replaced with automated process execution by robots (Casey and Nzau). The threat of robots crowding out machine labor implies not only the loss of jobs, but also the impoverishment of certain classes of the population of countries. Workers who have lost the ability to provide for their families require state social support. The state can support the new volunteers of unemployment by providing financial assistance. However, more valuable would be the opportunity for emergency professional retraining that allows them to adapt to the new workspace. Modern reality implies certain flexibility of human labor skills; however, not everyone, being tied to their work, may be able to adapt to the coming robotic revolution. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the professions market, which, on the contrary, becomes open with the filling of the working environment with robots.
New Spheres of Professional Skills
The loss of more unnecessary work positions does not necessarily mean that new jobs requiring new skills will not appear because of ongoing automation. Changes in manufacturing sectors mean the emergence of new professions that will be accordingly appreciated above the previous ones. Rethinking work strategies and implementing new production tactics developed and applied since the coronavirus era will also require new jobs. In general, the claim that robots generate more work than they eliminate seems to be right at this point. However, the work related to the maintenance of robotics and monitoring of machines still requires human control. The same applies to the maintenance and care of service systems in any area, from food to medical. Successful interaction between humans and robots will perhaps be even more appreciated. Also, the modern era, which is increasingly turning into its virtual analog, can offer new jobs in the field of technology, as well as in the development and use of cyber economics.
Conclusion
Employment opportunities of humans undergo multiple changes due to the implementation of robots in different spheres. It is hard to predict the impact of such interventions, but it is wrong to believe that these contributions are of a negative outcome only. It is fundamentally important that, in the foreseeable future, the state should spend as many resources as possible on the adaptation of vulnerable classes of the population to new technological conditions. In other words, people would get an opportunity to study new subjects and learn how to implement their technological knowledge in everyday practice. However, the impossibility of carrying out such programs would mean an impending economic catastrophe for an entire class of the population. Thus, government initiatives should provide a sufficiently suitable ground for training the unemployed in new skills, and this potential crisis can be overcome. New jobs will be added to provide a person with greater comfort since the work performed in a new, robotic world requires more mental than physical activity. In general, robots would increase employment opportunities from one perspective (more comfort and simplicity) but reduce some opportunities from another perspective (replacement of labor).
Works Cited
Casey, Marcus, and Sarah Nzau. “Robots Kill Jobs. But They Create Jobs, too.” Brookings, 2019, Web.
Partington, Richard. “Robots in Workplace ‘Could Create Double the Jobs They Destroy‘.” The Guardian, 2018, Web.
Semuels, Alina. “Millions of Americans Have Lost Jobs in the Pandemic.” Time, 2020, Web.
The recent advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence have the potential to automate a wide range of human activities and to dramatically reshape the way people live and work in the coming decades. Initially, robots were only limited to the manufacturing industry, but today they are increasingly becoming part of people’s everyday tasks. It is evident that nowadays, more people are relying on intelligent technological types of equipment compared to the past due to advancement in technology. According to Smith and Anderson (2017), the robotics industry around the globe is constantly innovating, integrating artificial intelligence with vision to suit the needs of aging population. It other words, the industry is constantly looking for new ways of making people’s work a bit easier, faster and efficient. In essence, robots are a gift from science to mankind because of their high productivity rate coupled with an increased speed of production, quality and greater workplace safety.
First, the use of robots increases productivity when they are applied to perform tasks that require more efficiency. In the recent past, many industries have shifted their focus to implementing robots that improve productivity and fulfill the demands in the market. Most of them argue that robots work by eliminating the element of human error,thus allowing them to perform tasks at the same level of consistency. In fact, many organizations are already using them to help maximize inventory and, at the same time, improve quality. According to Scheiber (2019), Amazon has implemented palletisers, which are robotics arms with grippers, in their 26 fulfillment centers worldwide to lift the heavy totes and packages from conveyor belt. These palletisers provide robotic muscle for daily operations: they substitute man-hands for their productivity in the effort to cut down on human wear-and-tear. Overall, robots increases productivity by performing tasks at a faster rate but with the same consistent level of quality and quantity than humans.
Secondly, robots are increasingly being adopted in task-performance because of their high speed: they do not easily get distracted. Companies around the globe are focusing more on meeting customers’ demands which explains why high-speed robots are being sort after due to their ability to work 24/7 without any breaks or vacations (RobotWorx, 2021). In fact, it is common to find robots that move at a high speed than humans making them more preferable in ensuring fast production lines,especially in manufacturing companies. A good example of how robots work by improving speed is in the case of Factory Automation System Inc., located in Atlanta which is part of the Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services Industry (Mena Report, 2021). With automation, the company has managed to supply parts to agricultural manufactures with the growth of 150 percent than before while meeting their targets within three hours—five hours less than manual operations (RobotWorx, 2021). It therefore follows that high speed-robots ensures products are produced within the specified time.
Thirdly, the use of robots always brings quality to production which, for many years, has been an issue of concern for many manufacturers. It is important to note that poor quality products tend to have a negative impact on organization’s reputation and bottom line. Therefore, robots help resolve this because they are programmed to manufacture a particular product more precisely without any error, whereas humans tend to make mistakes. A good example here is the Motoman Inc. which uses reciprocating painting machine to paint car and truck on the same line (Yaskawa, 2021).With human tendency, the company used to get different and mixed results as far as production is concerned, but since the adoption of robots, product quality and perfection have improved greatly. Overall, the use of robots in the future as mandatory in everyday tasks stem from the fact that they do not get fatigue or lose focus, thus preventing unnecessary errors that leads to low quality.
Finally, the use robots is critical, especially since they provide greater workplace safety. In the manufacturing sector, robots are increasingly being used to reduce the risk of falls. A good example is where robots are used in the warehouse to help minimize injuries—the robotic machinery is able to reach items that are too high. Similarly, exoskeleton robots are already being used in the manufacturing industry to perform repetitive work associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Hyundai Motor Group is one such company that has adopted the use of exoskeleton robots (Menyhárt, 2019). With its Vest Exoskeleton (VEX), the company has managed to reduce fatigue of workers—the wearable vest imitates the movement of human joints.
However, those against the use of robots in everyday tasks claim that many industries, in the effort to maximize profits, are replacing human labour with automated machines. They also argue that the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and robots is volatile: many jobs will be lost throwing millions of people into poverty. Many of them express concern that having AI in workplaces will lead to high levels of income inequality caused bymillions people who are not employable. This, in the end, will lead to breakdown in the social order. Their fears have been validated by detailed analyseswhich shows how increasing automation in workplace impact jobs. A good example is the analysis carried out by Bruegel whose findings showed that “about 54 percent of EU jobs are at risk of computerization” (Tavis, 2015, p. 78). Bruegel’s analysis of European data led him to conclude that job losses will be significant and that people should prepare for large scale disruptions.
The opponents also argue that robots are taking over meaningful work which they consider to be important and valuable. They maintain that doing meaningful work is what leads to high job satisfaction and employee well-being. Their views were echoed by Smids et al.’s (2020) study where the authors followed the work schedules of metro drivers in Paris. The company outsourced robots which led to the introduction of self-driving metros. In return, the company’s drivers were offered alternative positions as managers. While these new positions gave the employees formal responsibilities, a follow-up survey showed that the drivers felt deprived of meaningful work. The workers claimed that, instead of being able to respond immediately to emergency situations, they were only being indirectly informed of the incidences. Smids et al. (2020) results also showed that the workers, by not being directly responsible for the lives of the people, “felt a loss of responsibility in adjusted jobs” (p. 12). In other words, the introduction of robots in everyday tasks tends to disrupt people’s normal work routines.
While it is true the introduction of robots in workplaces might lead to loss of jobs and meaningful work, the future is still promising. First, robots do not have the ability to perform complex tasks such as negotiation and persuading. According to Huang et al. (2021), robots are not as efficient in creating new ideas as they are at solving them despite having higher intelligence levels. In essence, work which require creativity, emotional intelligence and social skills will be on high demand—they are less likely to be performed by robots. With regard to meaningful work, employees being given alternative positions should receive adequate training. Training and development ensures employees such the metro drivers identify the knowledge and skills they require. With evidence-based programs, employers can educate their workers about new skills and the benefits associated with their positions. Most importantly, employees should be encouraged to exercise their capacities for understanding and decision making to higher extents as this would them finds meaning in their work.
In conclusion the use of robots in the future as mandatory in everyday tasks stems from the many benefits associated with it. As evidenced above, robots have been found to increase productivity, speed, quality, and workplace safety. For instance, robots provide greater workplace safety by reducing the risk of fall. Hyundai is currently using Vest Exoskeleton (VEX) with the aim of reducing fatigue of workers: the wearable vest imitates the movement of human joints. However, it is important to note that the use of robots also has its own limitations such as cutting off the manpower and meaningful work. While this is case, employers are encouraged to provide training and development programs aimed at ensuring employees appreciate their new positions.
References
Huang, M. H., & Rust, R. T. (2021). Engaged to a robot? The role of AI in service. Journal of Service Research, 24(1), 30-41.
Menyhárt, J. (2019). Artificial Intelligence possibilities in vehicle industry. International Journal of Engineering and Management Sciences, 4(4), 148-154.
RobotWorx. (2021). Robot savings time. Web.
Services for the Manufacture of Links of the Agricultural Excavator. (2021). Mena Report, NA. Web.
Scheiber, N. (2019). Inside an Amazon Warehouse, Robots’ Ways Rub Off on. Web.
Smids, J., Nyholm, S., & Berkers, H. (2020). Robots in the workplace: A threat to—or opportunity for—meaningful work?. Philosophy & Technology, 33(3), 503-522.
Smith, A., & Anderson, M. (2017). Automation in everyday life: Where will the jobs go? Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, 51(11), 10–14
Tavis, A. A. (2015). Rise of robots: Technology and the threat of a jobless future. People & Strategy, 38(4), 77-79.
