The rise of autonomous machines has created concern in many corners, with workers worried that their roles will be rendered redundant as robots are developed to complete tasks typically fulfilled by humans.
Thankfully most of these fears are unfounded, as the developments being made in the field of robotics should generally help to improve life for people around the world, rather than pushing civilization towards a dystopian future.
To bring you onboard with the emergence of automation, here is a look at the positive impact that robots are already having today and will have in years to come.
Lives will be saved
Workplace injuries are a reality for millions of people worldwide, with lives ruined by accidents in a range of industries from manufacturing to forestry and beyond.
As pointed out in this study from Injury Claim Coach, the arrival of automation in these contexts will dramatically reduce the chances of employees being hurt or even killed in the line of duty. The figures show that the likelihood of robotics arriving to remove people from perilous situations at work is higher in the most danger-prone professions, such as motor vehicle operation and construction.
The arrival of driverless cars and even driverless heavy goods vehicles will not only keep experts safe, but also improve road safety for members of the public as well.
Jobs will be created
There is little question that automation will lead to certain jobs for human workers being reduced or eliminated altogether, which is likely the main source of anxiety surrounding this topic today.
However, there is also a huge opportunity for job creation to come about as a result of the increased use of robotics.
A study from the World Economic forum published back in 2018 predicted that automation will have led to the creation of 133 million jobs by the year 2022, offsetting the 75 million job losses that are estimated to be caused by this sea change.
Indeed in the long term it is thought that humans and robots will work side by side in greater numbers than ever before, with the automatons helping to significantly boost the productivity of their flesh and blood counterparts while employees tackle tasks that are still impossible to automate.
For example, there are contexts in which robots are seen as being an inadequate stand-in for humans, such as in customer service and in teaching. These professions will of course be enhanced through automation, but the roles will not be replaced by this.
A degree of retraining and refocusing the job market will of course be necessary, but the potential for robots making the world a much better place is not to be underestimated.
Disasters will be dealt with
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has proved that many industries were underprepared for a disaster of the scope and scale of this current crisis.
Indeed it seems that this has been the catalyst which businesses required to adapt their practices and embrace robotics and automation in earnest.
A report from Forrester found that investment in automated solutions is going to increase dramatically going forwards, even in organisations that had previously not put a strategy of this nature in place.
This will be beneficial not only for workers, but also for customers and clients of a variety of businesses. Furthermore by putting measures in place now, unexpected disasters of any type which arise further down the line can be encompassed and overcome, without the same hit to the global economy.
Robotics and automation are not without their issues, but the future should be much brighter with them in it.
