A lot has been said about robots. Some people feel the machines are out to replace humans in the workplace. Others are of the opinion that robots are essential in industries such as manufacturing.
Robotic technology has advanced enormously in the last few years. However, humans are still needed in the workplace. Robots are utilized in a wide range of industries; not only automobile and manufacturing ones.
There are many benefits to having robots in the workplace. Apart from ensuring better quality, they also boost employee morale. This is because they take over most of the dangerous and dirty tasks leaving the more cognitive ones to the humans.
This helps to reduce accidents and injuries in the workplace; hence, bringing down costs. Injuries happen due to human errors as well as mechanical failures. Also, sometimes a worker may not be alert because they got distracted.
A robot is not susceptible to these limitations. As long as they are in secure areas and are programmed properly, worker safety is greatly enhanced.
Robots In The Health Sector
With a raging virus in place, never have robots been more needed. The machines will take over tasks such as testing and diagnosing COVID-19 as well as sterilizing crucial medical instruments. Robots are also used for medical applications such as surgery and radiation.
The medical robot is closely supervised to ensure that the operation is done right. In radiation, it works on the targeted spot with precision. Moreover, robots are used to dispense medication without muddling the prescription up.
In addition, a physician can diagnose a patient remotely using a robot. The doctor will be in an office away from the patient who will have the robot in their location. The robot is fitted with an interface that conveys data to the doctor who then advises accordingly.
Other tasks performed by a medical robot include basic heart surgery and optional biopsies. A huge benefit of having robotic surgery is precision. This helps to minimize bleeding and scarring.
Manufacturing Robots
Another sector that has benefited enormously from robotics is the manufacturing industry. The automotive industry has been synonymous with robotics for the longest time. Robots perform tasks such as the following for both automotive and equipment manufacturers:
- Robotic spray painting
- High-quality welding
- Assembly
- Arc and spot welding
Humans face the risk of burns and heat when they perform welding tasks. Robotic welding is free of such perils and they are programmed to yield high-quality welding repeatedly. Robots also take up palletizing and pick and place tasks in manufacturing.
Spray painting is performed by industrial robots. The result is a lot finer than it would be if human painters did it. Robots spray paint with precision for a uniformly distributed coat. In addition, robots do not require protective gear or air respirators.
Warehousing Robots
These ones consist of autonomous robots among other robots built to perform warehousing tasks. Autonomous robots, for instance, are used in warehouses to manage outgoing orders. They search for the product that is needed, retrieve them and deliver them to the operator for processing.
Warehousing robots also organize the warehouse to position fast-moving products in strategic positions. This helps to reduce the time used to locate these products when they are needed by the operators.
Robots In Law Enforcement
Robots in the military perform tasks that are dangerous for humans. Such tasks include patrols in dangerous areas and bomb-detection. When there are bomb incidents within an area, a remotely controlled robot is sent in to investigate.
It then transmits images back to the operating officer who then takes the required measures. Drones are also used to patrol areas that are prone to criminal activity. Such areas can be dangerous even for an armed officer.
Conclusion
Robots are useful in just about every industry. They help to boost productivity and enhance safety in the workplace. They can go into places where humans would not dare venture. The effect of robots in the workplace is mostly positive for the company as well as the workers.
