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Adding robots to the workforce
In 2021 US industrial companies and factories ordered 29,000 robots, this figure is 27% more than the previous year, (Tech Times 2021). Companies are attempting to meet the demand for vehicles and electronics, experts believe that this accounts for the large-scale investment in robotics. According to Research from CNBC, ‘Robots could take over 20 million manufacturing jobs around the world by 2030.’
Both America and the United Kingdom are currently experiencing worker shortages. The Guardian suggests that the shortages are most prevalent in roles that, ‘tend to offer grueling work conditions and relatively low pay.’ These trends can be largely explained by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have reassessed their time and their career goals. Additionally, furlough schemes have supported many people to avoid returning to the jobs market.
In the United Kingdom, Brexit has also contributed to the labor shortage. Thousands of European nationals have left the UK, many of whom were employed in logistics, transport, and agriculture. In response to the labor shortage, many companies across the US and the UK have invested heavily in automation and robotics.
What are the benefits of adding robots to the workforce?
Besides responding to a labor shortage, there are many benefits of adding robots to the workforce. One of the key advantages is improved safety and security. For example, many warehouse-based tasks can put humans at risk, robots can perform the tasks that could easily injure a person. When a robot detects a security breach the machine can quickly respond with the correct locking systems and security tools. Robots can work at high-speed, they can work continuously for hours, without a decrease in productivity or efficiency. Robots can also help companies to automate repetitive processes, freeing up their employees for higher-value tasks.
What are the drawbacks of adding robots to the workforce?
Experts believe that ‘tens of millions of jobs will be lost,’ and that some of the poorest areas will be hit the hardest. (CNBC, 2021). Researchers have suggested that support should be provided to prepare vulnerable workers. Many believe that governments could help by offering retraining programs.
According to the research paper, Robots and Jobs, robots have an impact on income inequality. They replace manufacturing jobs for many people who do not have other viable employment options, (MIT News).
A counterview point
Other experts have a different viewpoint altogether. Data from The World Economic Forum predicts that ‘automation will result in a net increase of 58 million jobs.’ WEF experts believe that fears about ‘robots taking our jobs’ are largely exaggerated. They believe that with automation, employees will be free to take on more challenging work. When the basic elements of a role no longer exist, this means that the high-skilled parts of the role are more vital. In plenty of ways, automation could be a good thing for many workers.
What are the challenges to using robots in the workforce?
As it stands, robots cannot perform stowing and picking operations in the same way that humans can. This explains why huge corporations like Amazon are still relying on human workforces. CEO Jeff Bezos has hinted that this may change in the near future, explaining that, ‘I think [robotic] grasping is going to be a solved problem in the next 10 years,’ (The Guardian 2021).
Which organizations are already using robots?
Companies across many different industries are already using robots, DHL have been using robotics since 2016. Another company that focuses heavily on robotics is CIG, a top telecoms equipment provider in China. The company replaced a huge number of workers with robots, to maximize efficiency and productivity. Other companies that are big on robotics include Uber and Tesla. As robotics tech advances many more companies are following suit.
Looking to the future
Adding robots to the workforce has both benefits and drawbacks, as technology improves, our markets and needs change, and we must adapt. In any industry, there are things that employees can do to up-skill and future-proof their careers. Entrepreneurs can gain new skills too, whether it’s upgrading their IT skills, or gaining an MBA. If you’re interested in taking one of these courses it’s useful to get the support of an mba admissions consultant.
There are many ways that employees and business leaders can look to the future, preparing themselves for new career challenges. No matter what industry you work in, future-proofing your career is a wise move. There are many ways to invest in your business, using the right technology.
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