Robots have been replacing many workers in many parts of the U.S. over the last few decades. Hence, some technologists predict that robotics will lead to a future without work. But other observers are sceptical about this scenario.
The pandemic has accelerated this innovation, further threatening the employment of those who lost their jobs. But companies insist that workers have nothing to fear. Robots may take over many jobs, but they won’t take over humanity.
But the technologists’ concerns aren’t unfounded. For instance, when the Da Vinci surgical robot became an integral part of surgeries worldwide, it implied that even trained professionals could lose their jobs to robots. Thus, the threat manufacturing workers face is ten times greater. Sure enough, if you visit a manufacturing plant, you’ll see hundreds of gigantic robots inserting caps on tubed products and performing other repetitive tasks. These robots can’t work with humans because they move so fast that they might injure or kill someone.
Where does this situation leave vulnerable workers? Consider taking these measures to maintain job availability in your company even if you use robots:
1. Offer Skills Training
Include skills training in your training and development program. Boosting your employees’ skills allows you to expand the knowledge base of your human resources. It can also give your employees better roles in your company. After all, someone needs to program and maintain robots. Though you may rely on the robots’ manufacturer for those jobs, it would be advantageous to have someone in your team know how to perform them.
Moreover, employees who receive necessary training tend to perform their jobs better. They also become more knowledgeable about the safety practices and proper procedures for basic tasks. For example, if they used to be a factory worker, skills training could make them realize the extent of the risks associated with their jobs. Hence, they may learn to appreciate robotics and dedicate themselves to a more relevant purpose.
As a result, you can produce more confident and competent workers. You can keep them on the cutting edge of industry developments. They can take more complex roles and help your company become an industry leader and a formidable competitor to other firms.
2. Study the Impact of Robotics on Employment
Combine your skills training with research. It will help you discover the jobs robots can eliminate and create. Consequently, you can plan the appropriate strategies to move your company and human resources forward.
Fortunately, studies show that robots will make humans smarter and more efficient, not useless. They can also make work more flexible. As a result, 60 percent of permanent workers may become rarer by 2035, but 80 percent of business leaders believe technology platforms will provide convenient access to on-demand talent.
Skills training will pay off for this reason. Determine the roles your company will seek when robots take over and prepare the affected staff for learning new skills.
3. Use Collaborative Robots
Not all robots cannot work with humans up close. If you use collaborative robots, or cobots for short, humans and machines and share tasks. The Da Vinci surgical robot is one example of a cobot. It allows the trained surgeon to control the machine’s arms using a console while the robot performs the surgery.
The Da Vinci surgical tool is helpful in minimally invasive operations that require precise and highly intricate hand movements. Likewise, collaborative robot applications in other industries can spare humans from laborious tasks that demand repetitive and error-prone movements.
In addition, cobots are easier to maintain than non-collaborative robots. Your workers don’t even need programming experience for the task. Operating and configuring the machine can be as simple as setting up a smartphone.
Furthermore, when you relieve employees from laborious tasks, you reduce their risks for occupational injuries or diseases. According to OSHA, workers with frequent repetitive motions can develop musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, if these workers controlled robots instead of performing their jobs, they could be healthier and more empowered.
4. Identify the Roles Your Company Will Need
You can’t train every single one of your employees for new roles. It’s still their choice to accept a new opportunity within your company or find employment somewhere else. So, identify the roles your company may need if your employees can’t fill them.
Robots can create countless jobs, but the industry demands the following the most:
- Programmer
- Robot/workcell operator
- Technician
- Customer welder
- Workcell champion
- Tooling engineer
- Controls engineer
- Product technician
Collaborate with your human resources manager to find candidates for these roles. Be realistic in your qualifications; for instance, a programmer may not be a college graduate or master’s degree holder. Though it’s advantageous to hire highly educated candidates, you can train those with only experience under their belt.
Keep these measures in mind as your company adjusts to robotics. Use the technology to advance human resources instead of reducing them.
