Greetings, fellow pioneers of the manufacturing realm! Here at Globe, we have a keen interest in robotics automation and the transformative role technology plays in our industry. Lately, more and more people are voicing their concerns. With robots taking over, where does that leave us humans?
This concern, although not unfounded, carries with it a certain myth that has been prevailing for quite some time now. It’s the narrative that machines will replace humans, leading to massive job losses. The reality, as you’ll see in this article, is far more nuanced and, dare I say, optimistic.
In this discourse, we’ll explore how, contrary to popular belief, robotics automation can be a potent catalyst for job creation in the manufacturing sector.
Understanding Robotics Automation
Let’s first clear up what we mean by robotics automation. Remember when we used to manually assemble parts or control machines? With the advent of robotics automation, such tasks are now carried out by robots, which are programmed to perform these tasks faster, more accurately, and with less waste.
Reflecting on our own experience, during the early days of my Globe, we spent countless hours in quality control, trying to find the smallest of errors in our products. Fast forward to today, and we have robotic arms performing complex assembly tasks, and AI-powered cameras spotting defects in milliseconds – transforming the very essence of quality control and safety in the manufacturing process.
The Myth of Job Displacement
Now, onto the elephant in the room – will robots take our jobs? The fear of job loss due to automation isn’t new. If we were to travel back in time to the 19th century, during the advent of the Industrial Revolution, we’d find similar concerns. Machines were replacing manual labor, and people feared widespread unemployment.
Yet, looking back, we know that’s not what happened. Instead, new jobs emerged – ones that we couldn’t have foreseen. Mechanic, electrician, assembly line worker – these roles were inconceivable before the industrial age.
Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing a similar transformation taking place with robotics automation.
How Robotics Automation Creates Jobs in Manufacturing
You might be wondering, “How does robotics automation lead to job creation?” Let’s break it down.
Direct Job Creation: Robots aren’t self-sufficient – they need human intervention to design, program, and maintain them. These roles didn’t exist a few decades ago. I have colleagues who’ve transitioned from traditional manufacturing roles to become robot operators and automation specialists – jobs they find both challenging and rewarding. Job growth is also spurred by an increase in productivity. Companies can win more jobs and hire more people.
Indirect Job Creation: Robotics automation also stimulates growth in related sectors such as hardware, software, and services. This, in turn, creates more jobs.
Preparing for the Automated Manufacturing Sector
Here’s the catch – the jobs of the future require new skill sets. To prepare our workforce for these jobs, we need focused efforts in reskilling and upskilling.
Here at Globe we recognize the necessity for adept workers and have partnered with local colleges, tech schools, and high schools. Globe offers internships, and co-op programs, and sponsors vocational training, helping students transition seamlessly into the industry. By sponsoring workshops and job fairs at partner schools, Globe creates a direct recruitment pipeline. These initiatives not only address Globe’s labor shortages and productivity needs but also empower local communities by providing new opportunities, thus offering a robust solution to the dynamic demands of the manufacturing industry.
Case Studies of Successful Job Creation through Robotics Automation
In recent years, we’ve seen numerous examples of companies successfully integrating automation while creating new job opportunities. From automakers deploying collaborative robots to work alongside their human counterparts, to small enterprises using automation to increase their production capacity and hence their workforce, the evidence is abundant.
In summary, the narrative that robots will take over human jobs is incomplete at best. Yes, they change the nature of employment, but they also create new ones. As we stand on the precipice of this exciting era in manufacturing, let’s embrace robotics automation, not with fear, but with a sense of anticipation for the opportunities it brings.
As the renowned physicist William Pollard once said, “Without change, there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement.” Robotics automation is that change for the manufacturing industry, and it’s up to us to leverage it to our advantage.