The Pros and Cons of Having Robots in the Workplace

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Robots were once known only for the manufacturing business but today they are very much part of many workplaces. The future is even more promising for this wonder of artificial intelligence.

Imagine a robot doing some of the major tasks of managers like using data to evaluate problems, making better decisions, monitoring team performance, and even setting goals.

Technology is playing a pivotal role in helping humans work more effectively. Since automation has become an integral part of business operations, we can predict that robots are soon going to replace many jobs that are today performed by humans. Now that the corporate world is also on the cusp of entering the robotic age, let’s see what pros and cons this technology offers business world.

Key Takeaways:

• Robots can be efficient and cost-effective when utilized correctly.

• Robots are also susceptible to errors and malfunctions and cannot adapt to unexpected situations.

• While technology in the workplace can be useful, humans are still essential.

Advantages Of Robots In The Workplace

1. Can be cost effective. The first and the foremost advantage of having robots in workplaces is their cost. There are many situations where robots are cheaper than humans. This is becoming more common as the cost of robots is now decreasing.

2. Increased capabilities. It’s a fact that we cannot compare human abilities with robots but robotic capabilities are now growing quickly. For example, if you run an essay writing service, you can use robots to perform every kind of research related to any subject.

3. Work longer hours. Because robots are more active and don’t get tired like humans, the collaboration between humans and robots is reducing absenteeism. The pace of human cannot increase hence robots are helping humans.

4. More precise. Robots are more precise than humans; they don’t tremble or shake as human hands. Robots have smaller and versatile moving parts which help them in performing tasks with more accuracy than humans.

5. Stronger and faster. There is no doubt that robots can be designed to be significantly stronger and faster than humans. This is especially helpful in areas where the limits of the strength and speed of humans limits productivity, such as in manufacturing.

6. Specialized for tasks. Robots come in any shape and size, depending upon the need of the task. As technology advances, more and more specializations emerge for robots.

7. Can work in dangers environments. Robots can work anywhere in any environmental condition whether it is space, underwater, in extreme heat or wind etc. Robots can be used everywhere where human safety is a huge concern. For example, robots used in chemical manufacturing help avoid injuries and death for human workers.

Disadvantages Of Robots In The Workplace

1. Increased unemployment. Where robots are increasing the efficiency in many businesses, they are also increasing the unemployment rate. Because of robots, human labour is no longer required in many factories and manufacturing plants. Automation’s affect on unemployment is one of society’s biggest concerns as technology develops further.

2. Cannot handle unexpected situations. Robots require programming, which means all their behavior has to be pre-determined. Although some robots have the ability to “improvise”, they typically cannot handle unexpected situations. That is to say, if they are not programmed for the situation, they cannot work around it.

3. Lack critical thinking. Going off the previous point, robots cannot think critically. Critical thinking is an important problem solving skill that aids humans facing unexpected challenges, as well as in making decisions among many choices.

4. Can cost more. The ROI of your business may suffer if your operation relies on too many robots. They have higher expenses than humans, so at the end of the day you may not always achieve the desired ROI.

5. Require installation and maintenance. Robots installed in workplaces still require manual labor attached to them. Training those employees on how to work with the robots definitely has a cost attached to it. Also, robots need regular maintenance to function properly, which creates another additional cost.

6. Lack empathy. Empathy is critical in successful human interaction, especially in people-oriented industries such as customer service. Robots cannot perform the nuances of empathetic interaction as well as humans.

7. Security risks. Robots that are entrusted with responsibility and data without proper protections are security risks. Malware and other cyber attacks on robots in the workplace can threaten the safety of others.

8. Environmental risks. Robots have an inevitable impact on the environment. They can cause pollution or contribute to climate change. Also, errors can result in harmful damage.

Examples Of Robots And Automation In The Workplace

Robots are increasingly more common in the workplace. You would be hard pressed to find any industry that has not at least explored some form of automation.

Robots can be found in many industries, including:

• Auto manufacturing. Robots play a big role in the assembly lines of car and truck manufacturing. Their precision and strength allow them to handle material at a far more effective rate. This allows for greater detail and speed in production.

• Warehouse packing. Robots can help organize warehouses through processing and packaging. These robots have extensive knowledge of the warehouse, including its layout. This means they can find inventory faster, as well as find open areas for storage.

• Agricultural maintenance. Many large scale farms now incorporate automated farm technology, such as pesticide drones, to help with the upkeep.

• Industrial cleaning. Robots can aid in cleaning industrial areas, particularly floors. They are able to work at a consistent rate that helps keep areas in order.

• Inspection and security. Due to advancements in cameras and software, robots can review products and environments to make sure they meet safety guidelines. Robots can also act as security systems that alert humans of any wrong doing.

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.