Category: Robots

STEM, robotics, codes, and maker spaces make learning about and exploring 21st-century technology and skills enjoyable and effective for kids. Students’ interest in STEM, Robotics, Coding, and Engineering education and professions has been shown to be stimulated by early exposure to STEM knowledge.

STEM (STEAM)

Integrated STEM is a curriculum style that “uses an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach that relates to real-world applications” in Middle Tennessee schools and after-school activities (NASA, 2020a). The NASA STEM Engagement initiative has taken the lead in delivering quality STEM education tools to children, instructors, and parents. This decision is ethically constructive and useful from a global point of view.

Why is it significant?

NASA may encourage STEM education innovation and collaboration by cooperating with national partners such as Texas State University and fostering collaboration and diverse ideas among educators in the STEM Educator network. (NASA, 2020a).

What are the downsides and/or barriers, and how might these be overcome?

Collecting the materials needed to create engaging classes might be a disadvantage. The lesson plans were produced by NASA using materials that might be found at home or in school supply rooms. NASA EPDC has made professional development for educators simple by providing a number of webinars throughout the month on various hours and days. The EPDC schedule provides for maximum involvement even if an instructor is unable to attend one of the EPDC webinars. (NASA, 2020b).

Where is it going in the future?

Informal STEM education, which includes instructors who work in non-traditional learning environments, for example, museums, education groups, and after-school programs, is in a state of rising development. NASA EPDC personnel assist informal educators by ensuring that all individuals of all ages have equal access to high-quality STEM resources in both formal and informal learning contexts (NASA, 2020c).

Robotics

Robotics is an excellent method for teaching pupils about engineering design and technology. Engineering design, mechanical components, electrical and electronic systems, coding, and invention are just a few of the STEM curriculum areas that students can study simultaneously. Robotics also assists students in developing important 21st-century work skills such as teamwork, communication, and presentation. (FIRST, 2022). This decision is ethically controversial and useful despite specific issues (Belk, 2020; Liang et al., 2021).

Why is it significant?

FIRST Robotics is essential because it helps kids build critical 21st-century job skills to help them thrive in today’s competitive market. According to research, it also assists in connecting young pupils to STEM education and career options (Schrum & Sumerfield, 2018).

What are the downsides and/or barriers, and how might these be overcome?

Coaches and mentors frequently struggle to provide sufficient time for the robot’s completion. Because most schools only devote an hour to STEM lessons, students must gather after school or on weekends to finish the robot and practice competing, which can be challenging for children who take the bus to school.

Where is it going in the future?

The FIRST robotics program is rapidly expanding worldwide, particularly in the United States. Shortly, the tournaments will switch to virtual robotics contests and access to significant public places with hundreds of people converging. The program will be able to continue while also safeguarding individuals from the epidemic as a result of this modification.

Hour of Code (Coding in Education)

Code’s Hour of Code is a one-hour coding course. This educational non-profit supports computer science and coding instruction in schools to boost the involvement of young women and other underrepresented pupils (Code.org, n.d.). The decision for affordable education in the field of coding is clearly ethically correct.

Why is it significant?

Students need to learn how to code because it gives them computational thinking and 21st-century abilities. “Coding is regarded as a vital aspect of computer science, STEM, and the ultimate purpose of creativity,” according to Schrum and Sumerfield (2018, p. 10). Hour of Code lessons encourage achievement through brief programming sessions in which students can see what they have developed, encouraging confidence and accomplishment.

What are the downsides and/or barriers, and how might these be overcome?

Pair programming, a device-sharing method in which students collaborate as a group, aids Code.org in overcoming the limitations of limited devices and poor internet access. Two students collaborate to finish the tutorial, sharing duties and solving the task jointly. This method works particularly well for pupils who are afraid of technology and may be matched with a more experienced student to help them gain confidence.

Where is it going in the future?

With each passing day, technology advances, and coding activities are growing beyond the standard curriculum to include various learning games and activities. Minecraft Education, a game-based instructional program, is one form of coding. According to McColgan et al. (2018), serious games may assist instructors by including educational material and learning objectives to improve learning outcomes in the classroom.

Maker’s Spaces

The maker movement brings together a variety of creative tools to foster hands-on learning, engagement, transdisciplinary STEM integration, and personalized learning. Maker spaces offer learner-centered experiential learning that is matched students’ interests and key constructivist learning ideals (Schrum & Sumerfield, 2018). Students and educators love the maker movement because it allows them to create, grow, and explore while learning via creativity and technology. Conceptually, Maker’s Space is an influential and ethically correct concept that gives people a lot of new opportunities.

Why is it significant?

Working as part of a team, communication, problem-solving, cooperation, and engineering knowledge are just a few qualities kids gain in a maker space (Pocock, 2016). According to Lofton (2017), the maker space gives kids the ability to become producers rather than just consumers. It aids kids in developing their information technology literacy abilities.

What are the downsides and/or barriers, and how might these be overcome?

Expenses associated with getting started and acquiring the equipment might be disadvantageous. However, several grants are available, and no specific equipment is required. Every maker space, according to Lofton, will and should be unique, catering to the interests and requirements of its community (Lofton, 2017).

Where is it going in the future?

“A maker space is not merely a location for building things,” argues Lofton (2017), “It encourages kids to think, learn something new, be creative in completing tasks, share their results with others, and grow as they do so” (p. 18). Maker spaces are important in education because of these traits, and they will continue to expand.

References

Belk, R. (2020). Ethical issues in service robotics and artificial intelligence.The Service Industries Journal, 41(13–14), 860–876. Web.

Code. (n.d.). About us. Web.

FIRST. (2022). Vision and mission. Web.

Lofton, J. (2017). Students are makers! Building information literacy skills through makerspace programs. CSLA Journal, 40(2), 18–16.

Liang, T. P., Robert, L., Sarker, S., Cheung, C. M., Matt, C., Trenz, M., & Turel, O. (2021). Artificial intelligence and robots in individuals’ lives: how to align technological possibilities and ethical issues.Internet Research, 31(1), 1–10. Web.

McColgan, M. W., Colesante, R. J., & Andrade, A. G. (2018). Pre-service teachers learn to teach with serious games. Journal of STEM Education: Innovations & Research, 19(2), 19–25.

Schrum, L., & Sumerfield, S. (2018). Learning supercharged: Digital age strategies and insights from the edtech frontier. Portland, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

NASA. (2020a). Explore STEM Resources for Informal Education. Web.

NASA. (2020b). Science strategy. Web.

NASA. (2020c). About Us. Texas State University. Web.

Product-mix flexibility and capacity utilization

Product-mix flexibility is the conferred ability of an organization to produce different products sequentially using the same lines of production. As indicated, the shift from Fordist mass production systems enables a company to reduce tool specifity and enhance the multi-tasking of various production lines in the production process.

For example, the deployment of Robotics in automobile manufacturing by the Fiat Company enabled the company to have product-mix flexibility. This enables firms to use limited number of production lines to generate numerous products as compared to inflexible production that adopts a new line for each production process.

Conversely, product-mix flexibility allows the company to downsize its labor force without affecting total output. In fact, after adopting Robogate technology by Fiat Company, it downsized the labor force. This, however, did not have negative effects on its production (Maielli, 2005, p.110).

This phenomenon is proven by the results of Jones and Paris who argue that turbulences created by workers has marginal influence on productivity among companies which are product-mix flexible (Maielli, 2005, p.110).

For a company to reach product-mix flexibility there should be a discontinuity in management and organization. This is a key pillar supporting Fordist mass production system. This company must initiate a cost reduction initiative by reducing the asset specifity.

The product-mix flexibility is directly connected to capacity utilization since if a production system is totally flexible, the capacity utilization of each line must be optimal. Flexibility in a company’s production system is a direct assurance of achieving product-mix flexibility.

Such connection is set to minimize the spare capacity created during mix production. Capacity utilization approach in product-mix flexibility is further enhanced given that the productivity of labor force still continues to do mass productions even after the number of man-hours is reduced (Maielli, 2005, p.109).

The reduction of monthly working days from 19-23 and 232 annually after the adoption of robotics deployment in the production lines of Fiat Company explicitly shows that product-mix flexibility has maximum capacity utilization.

Innovative features of Robogate technology

The Robogate technology was developed in-house by Fiat Company and used to create flexibility with enhanced product-mix flexibility. Robogate key innovative feature was the ability to produce different car models in a sequence using a single production line. The technology also offered the company chance to explore other areas where production costs could be reduced.

For example, downsizing the number of company workers. The Robotics deployed in different Fiat Company plants enabled the company to optimally utilize its capacity through engaging every possible capacity in the production process. For instance, in Fiat production plants, some plants recorded 90% capacity utilization.

Thus, with robotics deployment there was a discontinuity in managerial processes and organization that characterized flexible production systems. In Robogate technology application, a single line was converted to multi-task in the production of various types of cars according to demand. This reduced the tool specifity, which characterized Fordist production system that laid emphasis on specialization and tool specifity.

Due to increased utilization of firm’s production capacity, this technology enabled the company to slice down its working-force without having any effect on the production capacity of the company. The technology also enhanced the reduction of production costs by reducing the number of working days without effecting the production and the performance of the company at its peak (Maielli, 2005, p.115).

The rapid production of cars, the over and underutilization of some lines led to the creation of spare capacity. Infusion of the technology into the firm’s production lines enabled the utilization of spare capacity to increase production. At its peak, the Robogate technology enhanced the company realization of flexibility and this typified Post-Fordistic mass production systems.

Comparison of Fiat flexibility between 1980s and 1970s

Fiat was among the first companies to adopt a Post-Fordist system in production after its recovery from the 1970 oil crisis. The large-scale deployment of robotics in the production process of Fiat Company was the most significant move to cope with increased competition and demand. In 1972, the company initiated the adoption of FMS so that it could shift to flexible production methods from the Fordistic inflexible mass production systems.

The move was considered as the first step towards discontinuity in management and organization involving the shift in planned goals and replacements of procedures supporting operations supervision (Maielli, 2005, p.102). The inflexibility of the 1970s is evidenced by the data collected from Fats archives that show that the company still retained Fordistic related production system despite adopting the Robogate technology.

The 1970s also witnessed crisis due to the use of inflexible production methods that were asset-specific and hindered mass manufacturing of industries to adapt to the ever-increasing demand of their products (Maielli, 2005, p.104). Therefore, the period of 1970s was characterized by inflexible production systems that threatened to offset the industrial production.

The criteria used to access the flexibility of a company’s production system are how well it utilizes the capacity of production at its disposal. During the 1970s, Fiat maintained a single line production, due to the level of inflexibility, but this changed as robotics application in production gained momentum as indicated in the graphical representation (Maielli, 2005, pp.112-115).

Although this era marked the initial application of Robotics to production, inflexibility still loomed. The onset of the 1980s saw massive deployment of robotics in production. This went along with the rise in the level of flexibility and product-mix flexibility as witnessed in the different levels of production recorded in the 1970s and 1980s.

Further, the number of cars produced in the 1970s as compared to the 1980s proved that Fiat Company had gained more flexibility (Maielli, 2005, p.115). In addition, the Fiat Company was able to reduce its labor force, the number of working hours and the number of working days in the month and year, an impossibility in the 1970s.

Effects of Robogate deployment and the speed of production in Fiat Company

In the face of the 1970s crisis, most companies were faced with the prospect of adopting new technology that could enhance maximum production to meet the rising customer demands. Among this company was Fiat automobile company that was fixed on the Fordist inflexible production system that has led to its failure and crisis.

To maximize production, Fiat Company adopted and deployed the robotics in its production process to aid it in its recovery. The periods before Robogate technology were characterized by inflexible production processes and asset that disallowed the manufacturers from bulk production to manage the increasing mandate from old markets and upcoming markets.

Therefore, the incorporation of product-mix flexibility was seen as the only remedy to the situation (Maielli, 2005, p.104). The product-mix flexibility took into concern the capacity utilization as a major factor in driving the industries to revival. The deployment of the Robogate technology-enabled Fiat Company to produce different car types from a single line of production as compared to the Fordistic production system that enabled production of a product by a single line of production (Maionelli 104).

Robots were first deployed in 1972 in managing the automated finishing of the caers. They enhanced the speed of production as witnessed in the increased production from approximately 126 cars a day before robotics deployment and up to 1,400 cars a day. This production involved multiple types ranging fro Unos, Ritmos to Regata from the same plant using the same lines of production. As exhibited by the graphical representation, the robotics improved the speed of production by their utilization in the welding part of production (Maielli, 2005, p.112).

The deployment of robotics also enhanced the reduction in working hours that never affected the productive capacity of the industry, highlighting the significance of the robotics deployment in enhancing the speed of production. The deployment also reduced the number of working days to a range of 19-23 and 232 days in a year (Maielli, 2005, p.115).

Deployment of Robotics and discontinuity in management and organization

The 1970s crisis that hit the manufacturing industries necessitated them to adopt another method of production in order to cope with the ever-increasing demand of products. This need stemmed from the fact that the inflexible production systems were hindering the companies from mass productions. Therefore, any undertakings were geared towards shifting from inflexible to flexible mass production. This needed a discontinuity in managerial process and organizations (Maielli, 2005, p.102).

This involves rethinking of strategic goals and changing the criteria by which performance is measured on. This meant a leap from the inflexible Fordistic production system to the flexible Post-Fordistic system of production. The adoption of Robogate technology by the Fiat Company signaled the onset of the discontinuity in Fiats managerial processes and organizations.

The discontinuity is traced back to 1970 when Fiat incorporated flexible mass production and thereby shifting from Fordistic mass production. This shift necessitated the managerial discontinuity leading to adoption of new routines in decision making and their application in the daily running of the company production processes (Maielli, 2005, p.104). The achievement of flexibility by Fiat Company served to show that there was a full shift from inflexible tendencies of Fordism and discontinuity in managerial processes and strategic decision making.

The successful integration of robots in the production process served to show that Fiat Company had fully deviated from Fordistic production system. The robotic system allowed the company to produce multiple varieties of cars from one plant using the sale production lines sequentially. This was made possible by the reduction in tool specifity and specialization (Maielli, 2005, p.106).

Furthermore, the company was able to restructure through laying-off some of the workers and reducing time of hours, days worked and managed to reach its intended production level without any hitch. The flexibility level of a company is also determined by the capacity utilization that a certain firm seems to embrace. Fiat Company was able to effectively utilize capacity in the production process creating spare capacity that was utilized back in the production process to increase productivity.

Bibliography

Maielli, G., “Spot-Welding Technology and the Development of Robotics at Fiat, 1972- 1987: A Case of Production Management Discontinuity?” Business History, Vol. 47, No.1, January 2005, pp.102-121.

Introduction

Automation involves the use of robots in the production process. Normally, robots used in the production process require little or no help from humans. The primary aspect of automation is that it employs self-correcting control systems for feedback (Cichocki, 2012). After setting up an automation process, human’s role is only to maintain and repair the equipment. Companies are increasingly using robots in their production process. This paper will provide a background on STIHL’s manufacturing and robotics; the company’s profitability, and profits; and benefits of automation.

STIHL Background in Manufacturing and Robotics

Established in 1926 by Andreas Stihl, Stihl Incorporation is a handheld power equipment manufacturing company based in Virginia, USA. With its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, STIHL is a privately held company owned by the Andreas Stihl descendants. The company has recently introduced collaborative robotics in its manufacturing approaches in the US and Germany. In the robotic manufacturing technology, man and machine have a common working space (Cichocki, et al., 2012). Since man and machine have a common working space, they collaborate during assembly procedures. Among the wide range of products that the company produces, include edgers, trimmers and bush cutters, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and lawn mowers among others.

Profitability and Profits

Through its automation practices, STIHL has grown into a World Class production company. With only 2,100 employees across the globe, STIHL makes an annual sale of 1 Billion USD (Cichocki, 2012). Despite the weakening global economy characterized by adverse weather conditions and Eurozone debt crisis, STIHL has continued to grow. In 2012, the company had a turnover of 1,968 million Euros. This turnover represented a 7.9 percent increase from the previous year. The company’s productivity has come as a result of the automation production practices and its presence across the globe. The company’s profits mainly come the sale of its products. STIHL has over 40,000 authorized dealers in more than 160 countries. The increasing sales units in other areas offset the dips in units from one region across the globe. For this reason, the company is not affected by fluctuation in exchange rates, adverse weather conditions, and regional economies.

Benefits of Automation

The use of robots at STIHL means there is a collaboration between robots and humans. With the help of sensors, there has been a great reduction of risk at work hence improved productivity (Cichocki, 2012). Despite the benefit of reduced risks, there are other benefits associated with automation.

Reduced costs of production

When companies use robots in the production processes, returns on investments (ROI) will outweigh the initial startup cost. Automation of manufacturing practice is effective in the sense that it reduces the cost of production.

Decreased Cycle Time

Automation decreases cycle time since robots have the ability to work faster and for a longer period (Cichocki, 2012).

Improved reliability and quality

Another benefit of automation is that it improves product’s reliability and quality. Since it is repeatable and precise, automation ensures products follow a specific manufacturing approach.

Space Utilization

Automation manufacturing is important in the sense that it helps in utilizing space. Space utilization is achieved through reducing the footprint of the working area through automating parts of the production line (Cichocki, 2012). Through automation, a production plant can effectively utilize its floor space for other operations thus making the manufacturing process flow in an efficient manner.

Reduction of Waste

Basing on the accurateness of robots, automation can help in reducing the amount of materials used during the production process, thus reducing wastage.

Saving Local Jobs

When companies use robots in the production processes, they will be able to secure local jobs (Cichocki, 2012). Using robots will increase profitability since a manufacturing plant will maintain its initial location.

Stay Competitive

Automation helps companies to stay competitive through reducing associated costs thus attracting new customers. Besides, companies can have increased production at the lowest cost.

Reference

Cichocki, A. (2012). Workflow and process automation. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers. Web.

List of Innovative Ideas

Personal jetpacks

Compact backpacks that will help people to move in any direction without any limits introduced by traffic problems, tangles or some other accidents. It can also help people to travel or go to work and get rid of lateness

Cooks-robots to help in the kitchen

Robots which will help busy people or people who are not able to cook to prepare various dishes. They should work in the kitchen and create healthy and tasty food.

Glasses with the weather forecast

The glasses which will warn the owner about the slightest changes of the weather, projecting the information on an ocular. Some extra information except the weather forecast could also be used and shown to an owner.

Cars driven by software

Cars which will help people to move without accidents. Moreover, they will be useful for those who do not have a driving license. The number of accidents could also be reduced due to the implementation of these cars.

Electronic or robotic companions

Human-like, or pet-like robots which will accompany a person, helping him/her to perform various kinds of activity, or just entertaining him/her with the communication or presenting some useful information about certain issues.

International railway system

The given system will ignore various borders and will allow people to move from one country to another without any obstacles. The ocean could also be crossed due to the creation of long tunnels.

Transfers to the Moon

All people, who eager to see the Moon with their own eyes, will be able to buy a ticket on the regular flight to the Moon and visit it. It should be organized regularly.

Artificial organs

The technology which will help scientists to create various organs needed for people. It could help to improve the quality of life and reduce the number of death because of the lack of donors.

Universal translator

The device the usage of which will help to destroy the language bar. The speech of any speaker will be translated and presented to the owner of the device in his/her native language.

Universal pills

There are no need to take various medicines as the universal pill will be able to help a person to get rid of any symptoms of any disease and recover in the shortest terms.

The unified laws

The given project implies the creation of the code accepted by all countries in the world. It might help to make the justice system more efficient and reduce the level of crime in the world.

The united global market

The market will function in all regions of the world. Moreover, there should not be any differences in the laws or approaches according to which this very system functions.

Laser knives

The knives that will use the latest technologies in their functioning. They will not become blunted and there will be no substance which could resist the laser knife because of the peculiarities of its functioning.

Clever furniture

The furniture which will remember the preferences of the owners and adapt to them. Moreover, if the owner calls it, it could move across the house to find him/her and suggest the place to sit or lie.

Windows with the inbuilt software

Windows which are made of glass that allows projecting various pictures or information on it. These windows could also be used as a monitor and a person might watch TV or photos using them.

Doors with biometric scanners

There will be no need for locks anymore. This very sort of doors will be programmed to open only if a person with a certain biometric indicator approaches.

Substances analyzer

The device which analyzes and presents the information about any substance and its structure. The owner just has to guarantee contact between the substance and analyzer.

The unified digital ticket for journeys

The ticket which will allow it owner to use various means of transport in various states. The given ticket could be a software added to a smartphone or some other device available to a person.

Smartphones which control all devices in the house

A compact device the usage of which will help to control the functioning of all digital devices which could be could be found in the area and belong to the same owner.

Vehicles for disabled people

Vehicles created following the needs of people with some problems with limbs or spine. This sort of vehicles will provide the most comfortable conditions for the disabled people for them not to feel helpless.

Moon house

The city built on the Moon. It will help scientists to investigate the given planet. Moreover, common people could also live there. The could be transferred with the help of moon transfers system

New artificial energy sources

The project which will help to get rid of the dependence on oil and some other sources. Creation of the new and efficient energy source will help to improve the quality of life of a great number of people

Restoration of ancient cities

There are many monuments and ancient cities destroyed by various conflicts and time. That is why the project of their restoration will help people to see these cities again and feel the atmosphere of the epoch

Interactive history courses

Courses that will help students to feel themselves the part of the history as they will be involved in various activities or historical events. The newest digital devices should be used to create virtual reality.

Digital personal trainers in various sciences

The compact device that will help students or common people to obtain new information in various sciences. It will serve as the personal tutor and promote an increase in the level of knowledge.

Vaccination from all diseases

The unified vaccine will help to get rid of a great number of diseases which treat the modern world and kill thousands of people every year all over the world.

The world anti-terrorist system

The system which will be able to trace the most dangerous terrorist groups and organizations to decrease the number of victims and prevent terrorist attacks.

Underwater cities

The giant underwater cities which will allow people to enjoy another world and get new information about the main peculiarities of the existence of this very world.

United social network

The network that will unite such projects as Facebook, Twitter, etc to introduce more possibilities for the communication for the users of this network. It will also increase the efficiency of the information exchange.

Digital government

The government consisting of special programs which calculate the aftermath of certain steps or laws and create the most efficient solutions to existing problems. It could also help to solve the problem of corruption.

Electronic or robotic companions

It is a new and innovative idea which has not been suggested before the creation of the companions of this sort could help people not to feel lonely as they will always have the opportunity to communicate to someone or even to ask for some help.

Robotic companions could be used to take care of elderly people who are not able to perform some kinds of activity because of their age or the state of health. Moreover, it could help to reduce the number of home accidents.

Mothers could also be interested in the services provided by robotic companions. They could be used to accompany children to school or some other place to guarantee their security and to assure that children will not get lost. Moreover, these companions could play with children learning games, promoting the development of various skills needed for the successful socialization.

Electronic companions could also accompany people in their voyages, performing a great number of various functions. They could be a secretary, an accountant, carrier etc.

Robotic companions could also control the state of the health of the owner and call an emergency in case of some serious accident.

Business Model Canvas

Value propositions

The device could provide interesting and informative communication, protect the owner accompany him/her in various states as there is no need for special care.

Customer segments

The segment is rather big. Elderly people, mothers and people who want to have a companion which will be able to perform various activities.

Customer relationship

Various social media and the website devoted to the given product. Personal assistance service and lifetime guaranty.

Channels It is possible to use retail stores in various cities of the state. Moreover, a website could also be used to place an order and buy the companion.

Revenue streams

Sales are the main source of incomes and it will guarantee the further development of the product

Key activities

Programming, web blog and various reviews on the product which could help to improve its image and contribute to the development.

Key resources

Programmers, software, hardware, web platform.

Key partners

The government should contribute to the development of the project. Various companies that manufacture digital devices.

Cost structure

Software and hardware cost. Maintenance. The cost of the warranty repair. Manufacturing of final product. Advertising company.

Value Proposition Design

Product information

Matilda and Jack are two robots known for their emotional intelligence. This innovation was made with the sole intention of improving human health and well-being as well as improving organizational sustainability. The robots can be used to conduct job interviews because of their ability to accurately determine the cultural and emotional fitness of job applicants. The robots can be used in several other areas including schools, tired drivers, and children with autism.

Defining the market

The robotic market is very catchy and consumers can easily be seduced by the gadgets. There is a change that has taken over the robotic market especially in the developed nations including South Korea, Japan, Europe, and North America (Beltu, Fox, Powell, & Maureen, 2003). The technology used is more than technology; it is an enabling technology. A lot of research is done in academic institutions of these countries. These research activities are directly funded by the government meaning that the robotic market receives the full support of the government. As time moves on, new solutions to problems in society are found through research and development. This makes science relevant to society (Beltu, Fox, Powell, & Maureen, 2003).

The personal and servicing robotic market is growing in developed countries. There is quite a substantive use of home automation. People enjoy having robotic gadgets in their houses to aid in domestic tasks. This makes the marketing of Matilda and Jack have potential prospects since these two robots can also be used in the house to help with domestic tasks. The two robots are not only helpful with the elderly in a family setup but the children as well. Matilda and Jack are good at helping students do their homework effectively. Therefore, their presence in a home setup can be useful within a range of family members.

In the countries where the robotic market is booming, there is a lot of capital being pumped into innovation and research. However, the investments being made in these technologies are very demanding for the developers. They are required to make highly durable products that meet a specified purpose. Pricing is also another major issue of concern. The prices have to be made in such a way that the products will attract consumers. The market is large, massive, and growing.

The market size for robotic products has been growing at a high rate since 2005. The market size in terms of US dollars grew from 1 billion in 2005 to 7.9 billion in 2010 (Robotic Trends, 2006). It is projected by 2015 the sales size of the robotic industry will stand at 16 billion dollars. However, based on product categories, the daily living service products are the most popular and most common among consumers. The medical service and welfare services have also experienced a good increase in the sales volume of robots. However, not a large percentage of the market is used to it.

Launching the product

For the product to receive a successful launch, the focus will be placed on the target market and not the product features (O’guinn, 2008). During product launch and marketing, the biggest emphasis will be on how Matilda and Jack will be of benefit to the target market. The customers need to be accustomed to the knowledge of how the product affects them and not the knowledge of the product itself. The successful launch will also require the use of opinion leaders early before the product starts selling in the market (O’guinn, 2008).

The best strategy to be used will be engaging bloggers and influential television hosts right before the launch. Since the product is expected to sell in different countries once it rolls out, the use of international media such as CNN, New York Times, and BBC will help create the necessary brand image before launching. Social media will also be used to create a brand image through advertising the product before the actual launch (O’guinn, 2008). The actual day of product launch will be made eventful within the different countries where it will begin selling. This is to attract a huge crowd and also give the product the special brand image it deserves (O’guinn, 2008).

Product and pricing plan

The product pricing will be very friendly because the sales of the two innovations are expected to initiate a culture into the robotic consumer market and cause the market to grow (O’guinn, 2008). The cost of purchase would therefore be within the same range of other similar robots however price for the two robots will be slightly higher because of their unique enhanced intelligence abilities. Matilda would specifically be used to target health care facilities especially for the elderly. This will mean that the pricing for Matilda would be slightly expensive compared to the pricing Jack. The marketing campaign will cost money. The masses need to be made aware of the benefits of the product on their daily needs. This can only be achieved through promotion and communication activities.

References

Beltu, G., Fox, D., Powell, C., & Maureen, B. (2003). Towards personal service robots for the elderly. Computer science and robotics, Caniage mellon university.

O’guinn, T. (2008). Advertising and Integrated Brand Promotion. Oxford Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press.

Robotic Trends. (2006). Global Trends in the Consumer Robotics Market. Tokyo: Robotic Trends.

Introduction

Developing a marketing strategy involves clarifying sustainable competitive advantage. For this purpose, it is necessary to analyze the market and segment consumers into groups. Understanding the needs of a particular market segment, the company will be able to form and offer the product that solves this particular segment’s problem. For success, a business needs to conduct a structured analysis of the market and competitors, segment consumers into narrow groups, assess the market’s attractiveness, and correctly position the brand.

Overall target strategy

The first step in developing an overall strategy involves clarifying sustainable competitive advantage. The provided product belongs to a concentrated strategy because the consumer unit is narrow.

Selection and explanation choice of the segmentation method

Demographics and psychographics are most suitable since it is possible to occupy a large share of submarkets. It is unnecessary to use geographic segmentation because of delivery problems; hence, chosen customers need to be near the company’s warehouses.

Description of the target market

Determining the target market requires a more detailed analysis, which enhances consumer segmentation and competitors’ analysis. The target audience’s portrait is men from 30 to 70, with an income of $1500-2000 per week, married, with children, and family values. A concentrated strategy will allow avoiding many competitors, as it aims to narrow consumer segmentation. Categorical positioning is suitable for a case study since the product offers a novel approach to solving the issue.

Attractiveness of target market

The attractiveness of an enterprise’s target market is determined by the size and content of segments, competition level, the stability of demand, and positioning capabilities. The segment size and segment are compatible because content comprises small groups and thinking people. For example, if to set up advertising for men from 20 to 40 years old, the result will be fewer requests and sales. Low competition level refers to stable demand, as the product can replace competitors’ proposals.

Positioning strategy

A category positioning strategy provides an opportunity to differentiate a company in a highly segmented market. In addition, the market for snowblowers is not over-saturated as they are produced mainly by wide-profile companies.

Conclusion

Analysis of the target audience and markets shows the readiness of the product to enter the market. Segmentation is necessary to distinguish significant consumer groups, for example, for age criteria. Targeted advertising based on a portrait of the point audience allows business expansion. Positioning strategy affects the competitiveness of the brand and loyal customers. In conclusion, each point’s preliminary analysis is necessary for the business’s success.

Introduction

The high rate of unemployment in the United States has presented a challenge to both economists and social scholars. One of the prevailing arguments in regards to this problem is that the advent of the robot technology is contributing towards a high rate of unemployment. Nevertheless, these fears are not limited to this period in history, as they have been recorded in the past. For example, in the 1980s most observers had gloom predictions about the use of automated and computerized processes in industrial assembly lines.

The process by which powerful computerized robots are being utilized to perform highly sophisticated tasks has seen machines replace human inputs in a variety of labor fields. The prevailing concern is that the machines will eventually replace human beings as the main source of labor. Furthermore, huge leaps in technology have also meant that modern robots are more efficient than human labor. In the current context, some economists have argued that there is a need to infuse social safety nets within the ongoing efforts to perpetuate ‘capital hypermobility’.

Another group of social economists is of the opinion that most governments should admit that their industrial and economic policies are in stark contrast with their social security needs. It is important to note that the industrial revolution had brought about similar fears to the cottage industry setups of the nineteenth century. One of the most solid arguments in the debate on robots’ effect on unemployment is that they have an unequal impact on various social groups. This paper presents an argument that robots do not have a significantly profound effect on unemployment patterns and their rise is a normal phenomenon of human progression.

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One common misconception about the rise of robot technology is that it renders people unemployed. However, it is not theoretically possible to replace a worker who is economically productive. Some of the individuals who run the risk of being replaced by robot technology are what some economists refer to as “economic rent seekers” (Ford, 2015). It is normal for advances in technology to allow for production of more goods and services.

However, all advances in technology are a result of better knowledge levels. Therefore, robots come after the knowledge on machine technology and a general depreciation of human input over time. In essence, human learning is in itself an aspect of technological advancement. The rise of robot technology “implies an increase in standards of living, which may result from either greater output or more leisure while maintaining the same level of input” (Thompson, 2015, p. 52).

The goal is to use fewer resources and increase output levels at the same time. In the economic context, an unemployed individual is one who is willing to render labor services at the prevailing market rates but for one reason or another, he/she is denied such an opportunity. The norm is that all individuals tend to offer their labor services when they continue to look for better-paying opportunities. Therefore, these individuals would be technically be unemployed if they chose not to continue working as they scout for better opportunities.

The term economic rent seekers can be used to refer to individuals who refuse to work for wages that reflect the prevailing market rates even if they are lower. Consequently, robots can only replace rent seekers and not actual workers. Workers can always find a market for their services when other factors of production remain constant. Furthermore, use of robots to eliminate economic rent is a good method of achieving economic efficiency.

It is important to examine how robot technology is set to affect the rates of unemployment both in the short and long term. Overall, robots are set to change the scope of the labor market. The opponents of robot technology are of the view that robots are contributing to high unemployment rates in the short-term and possibly higher rates in the long-term. In the long run, robots are set to be the vehicles for delivering high standards of life.

The effect of robots on unemployment depends on how individuals react to changes in labor markets. The possibility of robots leading to higher unemployment rates in the short term depends on other imperfections in labor and production dynamics. If an economy reacts to these factors in a timely manner, there would be no short-term unemployment rates as a result of robot technology as claimed by its opponents. Furthermore, the argument that big industries will simply absorb labor resources while leaving thousands of individuals unemployed is flawed. In competitive markets, resources are not absorbed but they are transferred to other avenues.

For example, the prices of commodities are set to come down leading to increased sales and subsequent demand for more human labor. It is also important to note that some of the past concerns about the long term effect of robots on unemployment have not materialized. Most of these predictions date back to the 1960s but none of them have been realized. Furthermore, in the long run economists have come to the conclusion that human needs are unlimited and robot technology cannot change this fact (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014).

There is a prevailing argument that robots lead to the depreciation of human capital thereby contributing to higher levels of unemployment. However, this argument ignores the fact that innovation often leads to creative destruction. The proponents of this argument often cite the recent job cuts in some of the most significant industries including the automobile and construction sectors.

However, these arguments fail to acknowledge that the past valuations on human capital were flawed. For instance, “automobile makers met their comeuppance in 1981 and 1982, when circumstances required them to take giant steps towards optimality” (Frey & Osborne, 2016, p. 255). The only way for the automobile industry to survive was to do away with most of its inefficiencies at the time. A similar case of wrong valuation of human capital has also occurred in the steel industry. Labor is just one factor of production and it is set to compete with capital as the dominant factor.

Therefore, at the moment the high levels of unemployment can be interpreted as a general shift towards capital as the dominant factor of production. Several governments have sought to influence the value of human labor in an en effort to provide social security. However, most of these efforts have only led to more problems. Human capital is a mere factor of production just like capital, and the rise of robots is a manifestation of an efficient production process. Furthermore, most economists have argued that wages can only be maintained at levels where they do not factor in economic rents.

Conclusion

Overall, the use of robots in industrial and other forms of production has increased significantly over the last few decades. The evolution of robots is also set to gain momentum as computing technology continues to evolve. However, the common rhetoric that robots will replace the human worker is a shallow form of sensationalism that does not take into consideration the deeper arguments. Robots can only render economic rent seekers unemployed as the legitimate workers can always be absorbed by the markets. Both long and short term effects of robot technology are subject to other preexisting economic factors.

References

Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2014). The second machine age: Work, progress, and prosperity in a time of brilliant technologies. London, UK: WW Norton & Company.

Ford, M. (2015). Rise of the robots: Technology and the threat of a jobless future. New York, NY: Basic Books.

Frey, C. B., & Osborne, M. A. (2016). The future of employment: How susceptible are jobs to computerisation? Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 114, 254-280.

Thompson, D. (2015). A world without work. The Atlantic, 316(1), 50-61.

This type of vacuum cleaner will be the best option for those looking for a lightweight, compact, and convenient vacuum cleaner with uncompromising performance. This product is suitable for enthusiasts who want to use the most advanced technologies. Often, these vacuum cleaners are owned by specialists with medium and high incomes and families living in small apartments and houses.

Dyson’s target audience market in the province in the east-central part of Canada covers a relatively wide audience of all ages, generations, social classes, and statuses. According to statistics, as a rule, these are already established people with reasonably high earnings at the age of 35 and older (FDocuments, 2017). Consumers are willing to pay for more luxurious, expensive, durable, and environmentally friendly products that meet their high needs. Based on the Ontario, Canada market, Dyson robotic vacuum cleaners have a competitive advantage over similar models. Canadians value prestige, quality, ease of use, and innovative technologies in them. Consumers who own vacuum or bag vacuum cleaners prefer to use robot vacuum cleaners to a greater extent to save time. Thus, the target audience of Dyson in Ontario is practical and prudent people who, when buying equipment, pay attention primarily to the prestige of the brand, the quality, and the durability of the purchased goods. These people have a sufficient amount of money that allows them to purchase expensive, high-quality equipment.

The Market Size Opportunity for the Dyson Robotic Vacuum

In order to expand the market for a robotic vacuum cleaner by Dyson, one should resort to the following tactics and strategies. First of all, the company should occupy a niche in different price segments and develop those models that almost everyone can afford. So, the company can expand the range of models and introduce exactly those technologies that will adapt to each type of client. Secondly, Dyson should think about opening new points of sale of products and ways to interact with potential buyers. For example, the company can hire sales representatives who will advertise the equipment of this brand at specific points.

References

FDocuments. (2017). Dyson 360 eye robot marketing plan, FDocuments. Web.