As robotics and automation technologies advance rapidly, there has been a steadily rising concern of their impact on the workforce. Particularly, in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and more where the incorporation of robots raises questions about future employment.
Will robotics in business lead to new opportunities for workers? Will they displace the human workforce?
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Discover how robotics in business has the potential to create jobs and displace jobs.
Understanding how robotics in business can play on both sides is necessary not just for workers but also owners of the firm.
Robotics in Business: Displacing Humans
The largest concern of robotics in business is its ability to displace human workers from their jobs. There are many industries that have manual and repetitive tasks. Business owners that employ robots in these industries do so to avail long-term benefits with a high initial investment.
For example, in manufacturing, many tasks such as assembly, packaging, and even quality control are being done by robots. They deliver greater precision and higher efficiency in work.
Naturally, many workers fear that traditional jobs done by humans, especially low-skilled ones will be soon completed by machines. Some more examples are the gradual rise of self-checkout aisles in retail stores or automated food preparation, packaging, and even delivery.
Creation of Jobs: Benefits of Automation
Despite the growing concerns of displacement, robotics also holds the ability to create jobs. One critical factor that takes place when robots take up manual and repetitive tasks is human resources can be employed in creative and complex areas.
Let’s say robots have replaced human workers in the assembly line of a manufacturing plant. Then, there are more jobs created that relate specifically to robotics itself. This can be programming, system management, maintenance, and supervision.
Engineers, scientists, and other tech experts are responsible for their creation. So, developing and maintaining them will create new jobs in the industry.
Similarly, rising automation in fields of agriculture or healthcare is creating fresh opportunities for workers. Thus, robotics in business can help drive economic growth by improving productivity and efficiency. This would lower the cost of products and services.
Balance the Effects Is Critical
The primary challenge lies in ensuring a smooth transition between displacement of jobs and creation of new ones. Low-skilled employees should be given opportunities to reskill or upskill themselves for better transitioning.
Essentially, while robotics in business may bring hurdles, it also presents significant opportunities to leap them.
