Seven tips and tricks for applying robotics

The concept of robots has been around for more than a century, but it was first used in manufacturing in the 1960s. General Motors (GM) began using Unimate, an industrial robot capable of performing repetitive tasks. This type of robot specializes in hydraulic operations and became an integral part of automobile production in the mid-20th century. This innovation pushes...

# As businesses implement robotics into their daily operations, this technology-filled future doesn't seem so far away. It brings challenges, but there are also many benefits to incorporating robots. Here’s what we need to know about incorporating robotics into the workforce.

How has robotics changed the workplace?

The concept of robots has been around for more than a century, but it was first used in manufacturing in the 1960s. General Motors (GM) began using Unimate, an industrial robot capable of performing repetitive tasks. This type of robot specializes in hydraulic operations and became an integral part of automobile production in the mid-20th century. This innovation drove generations of technological progress, resulting in modern craftsmanship.

Why is robotics important in modern times?

In the 21st century, most of the world has achieved industrialization. In November 2022, the earth's population will reach 8 billion. The United Nations predicts that the population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and exceed 10 billion by the 2080s. More people means higher demand for goods and services. Finding enough people to do the job is a challenge, so companies have begun implementing robotics to fill the gap.

The application of robotics has increased dramatically over the past few years. North American businesses purchased more than 12,000 robots in the second quarter of 2022, a 25% increase from the same period in 2021. Supply chain disruptions and rising costs have led companies to look for ways to cut costs, and implementing robotics is one of them.

How to use robotics?

From car manufacturing to shipping warehouses, robots are found in many workplaces. Use these seven tips to implement robotics in your workforce.

1. Educate employees

The first step is to educate employees. Employees are the heart of the business, so their involvement in new processes is essential. Consult with them before implementing robotics in the workplace and make sure you have buy-in from every department, from workers on the shop floor to IT. Some people may be afraid of being replaced by robots, so take a moment to explain the benefits of robotics.

2. Embrace Automation

For some people, automation can be a scary term. Still, employees should view it as a positive event for the business. Incorporating automation means work can be done faster and more safely. Bots often take the most complex and tedious tasks out of the workday, meaning they can spend their time doing more meaningful tasks.

For example, a New Zealand study found that automation in off-site construction makes contractors’ jobs easier by reducing the labor required and improving safety. Machines often work faster than humans and without the need for breaks, increasing productivity and efficiency.

Automation is worth celebrating because it brings countless opportunities to our workplaces and beyond. For example, companies are using robotics to map the ocean floor, create prosthetic limbs, and educate children in remote learning environments.

3. Start Small

Look for areas to integrate robotics into the workplace and start small. Changing things overnight can be counterproductive and overwhelm employees. Look for specific areas where robotics will help the most in a short period of time. Allow employees to take the time to learn the system, as robotic process automation (RPA) can be challenging, even for seasoned veterans.

4. Looking to the future

Over time, workplaces will improve their understanding of robotics. When considering expanding RPA into other areas, think about the future in two ways. First, think in the short term and examine how robotics will help workplaces reduce the time needed for projects and make day-to-day tasks easier. Consider how RPA can impact productivity and operational costs in the long term.

Taking the long term means thinking a year or two, although it's never too early to think five to 10 years from now. Think about where your industry is headed and what challenges will arise. Robotic systems are expensive, so going all-in on automated workplaces may require a significant investment from businesses. The future of robotics is bright, so there are good opportunities to earn a solid ROI.

5. Prepare for repair

Robots are becoming an integral part of warehouse and factory processes. However, they are not perfect and require downtime and maintenance. They may not require as much attention as a McDonald's ice cream machine, but you should still be prepared to troubleshoot the necessary issues.

Every workplace with robots should develop a plan for repairing machines and include robots in routine maintenance schedules. Identifying problems reduces the risk of major problems later. Sometimes, the cause can be human error, but electrical and mechanical components should be checked regularly for wear.

6. Ensure a strong connection

The strength of the robot system depends on the Internet connection. Make sure the facility has good Wi-Fi so the robot can adapt to operations seamlessly. Reliable internet is also important so that these machines can be accessed and interacted with remotely as needed.

Over the past decade, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity issues have received increasing attention. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly adept at hacking corporate databases. The International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO) reported a 36% increase in malware and ransomware during the pandemic.

Work with your IT department to ensure your bots are protected from external threats, as a single misstep can cost your business hundreds of thousands of dollars in ransom, damage, legal fees, and more.

7. Recognize limitations

The modern workplace is breaking down barriers to what robots can do in the workplace. However, factory and warehouse leaders must be realistic about the machine and determine its limitations. For example, robots can make humans' workdays safer by performing complex tasks, but the devices themselves can pose threats, especially bulky ones. Many systems require humans to operate them, so dangerous threats remain.

The physical risks are obvious, so comprehensive safety measures should be provided for operating robots. It should also be remembered that humans are better at some things than robots, especially when they are well trained and experienced in the nuances of their fields.

For example, machines are not as creative and empathetic as humans. These skills are still necessary for humans, and robots cannot replace them. Humans are also better at detecting small things and nuances that robots are unfamiliar with.

Introducing the Future by Implementing Robotics

Fifty years ago, robots were mostly a fantasy seen on the silver screen. The most advanced robotic system at the time was General Motors' Unimate. Today, the future is inevitably moving towards robots. Businesses around the world are finding robotics helpful in their operations, regardless of their industry. Use these seven tips to incorporate them into our workplaces.

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