Covariant has announced to the public their plans to implement robotic warehouse workers in storage areas to retrieve boxes and packages (Dialani, 2020). They are able to work 24 hours a day and use strong suction cups to remove objects from bins, not even needing appendages. The firm built the technology because warehouses need more labor but cannot find enough humans to fill these jobs. The robots have greater accuracy and speed for recognized objects than human laborers, though one challenge they are working through is getting the robot to pick up a variety of shapes and sizes as well as harder to grip objects. It is difficult to code a robot to handle every situation, which is why their robots use AI technology to recognize and adapt to these differences. Lately more companies have become involved in this space, which has been enabled by improvements in the quality of robotic arms, sensors, custom grippers, and open source code. Their robot must be able to handle movement and transportation around the warehouse as well as precision in placing or retrieving items, requiring ‘hands’ and ‘feet’. Their robots are currently being tested in German electric company Obeta to pack components, which allows them to analyze functionality and other important data. I believe this solution can have great value, as automating routine tasks like this could improve efficiency while also addressing many of the problems associated with humans working in warehouses, like operational hazards or potentially inhumane working conditions.
Source: https://www.analyticsinsight.net/warehouses-will-be-driven-by-ai-powered-robot-pickers/
Today, automation is entering many industries, and it’s a move that we, humans, are not prepared for. Why are companies moving towards automating their systems? These are some of the reasons I’ve curated:
1) Efficiency: Unlike a human, these robots don’t need to take periodical breaks in the day to eat, to use the bathroom, or to simply take a break. These automated systems are not built to take breaks; it just keeps running and running until production or whatever system function is completed. In fact, these robots can even work after a general 9-to-5. There is no need for setting work hours in the day.
2) Long-Run Effects: Automating systems may be expensive at the point of introduction, but in the long run, these systems may save you some money. Wasting time is also wasting money, especially in a production line. With these systems in place, resources are saved and may even go to other aspects of the company such as innovation.
3) Defects: People make mistakes, and it is completely natural. In factory settings, it is unavoidable but highly discouraged. Defects would reflect on your performance as a factory worker. Humans are not meant for menial and repetitive work, whereas, robots can withstand that kind of culture.
Is automation a bad move? It is hard to tell. There are mixed statements that side differently. However, 2020 predictions by a research firm called Forrester (featured in a Forbes article) suggest that: “It also estimates that 331,500 net jobs will be added to the US workforce next year, human-touch jobs that require intuition, empathy, and physical and mental agility.” (2019) Maybe automation does generate more jobs that have better working environments. Its progress is definitely worth following.
Source:
Press, G. (2019, October 31). 2020 Predictions About Automation And The Future Of Work From Forrester. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/gilpress/2019/10/30/2020-predictions-about-automation-and-the-future-of-work-from-forrester/#7fe2a3271318
This article reminded me of something I read about Amazon and the same idea of robotic warehouse employees. Amazon is a company that employs thousands of people just in their warehouses alone. They are starting to introduce robots that can carry shelves, read barcodes, and complete other tasks. With robots and technology like this, there are some pros and cons of introducing it to the company. At first, it seems like a beneficial investment that could allow for efficiency like you discusses in the post above. Something that is also an effect is the jobs it would take away from other people. It is a huge concern that these robots will replace the need for human labor in warehouses. Some think this technology is good for the company however some think it is harmful. Whether people think it is a good or bad thing, I still find it very interesting that technology is starting to replace humans.
https://www.vox.com/recode/2019/12/11/20982652/robots-amazon-warehouse-jobs-automation