The Pros and Cons of Robots: What the Future Holds for Human Jobs
New technologies, especially digital ones, continue to transform almost every aspect of our daily lives. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and machine learning has enabled businesses to use software to automate many processes and tasks once handled by humans alone.
These changes have also resulted in a growing number of job opportunities across industries with roles such as data scientist, information security analyst, and data engineer.
However, this increasing prominence of AI and robots has raised concerns about the future of human jobs – specifically whether machines or computers will replace them. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of robots in the workplace.
What is a Robot?
A robot (or a “mechanical person”, to borrow from Isaac Asimov’s famous definition) is an electromechanical machine designed to perform tasks that can range from very simple to extremely complex. The first robots were developed in the 20th century and have since evolved greatly in terms of their functions, design, and uses.
There are many types of robots today, with the most common being industrial robots, SCARA robots, robotic arms, and autonomous vehicles.
- Industrial robots are mostly used in factories to perform repetitive and programmed tasks such as assembly, packaging, etc.
- SCARA robots are used in the food and pharmaceutical industries to operate machinery and perform other functions that require precision.
- Robotic arms are mostly used in healthcare, research, and manufacturing industries.
Pros of robots in the workplace
As we have seen, robots can perform a variety of tasks. This means that they can be used in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, research, education, etc. Here are some of the pros of robots in the workplace:
1. Robots are ideal for repetitive tasks
Robots are designed to perform the same tasks over and over again, which makes them ideal for repetitive jobs. They are less prone to errors and can work tirelessly without getting tired or bored.
2. Robots are more efficient
Humans, on the other hand, are inefficient in performing repetitive tasks because every time a task is performed, a person makes mistakes. Robots, however, are programmed to achieve maximum efficiency in performing their tasks.
3. Robots are more accurate
When humans perform the same tasks over and over, they tend to make more errors as time goes by. Humans also make errors when doing tasks for the first time, which is why it takes time to learn new skills and techniques. Robots, on the other hand, are programmed to perform tasks accurately, so they don’t make mistakes. They can also perform tasks right away because they don’t require any learning or experience.
Cons of Robots in the workplace
While robots can be very beneficial in the workplace, they can also pose some risks. Here are some of the cons of robots in the workplace:
1. Robots can’t think or act independently
Unlike humans, robots are highly dependent on instructions to perform tasks. This can pose problems when a robot is given too much control over decision-making. When robots are programmed to do something, they do it very precisely. Wrong programming can cause them to malfunction, which can be dangerous for humans.
2. Robots are not very adaptive
Humans are more flexible and adaptive than robots because they can think and act independently without instructions. This gives humans an edge in various aspects, especially in dealing with unpredictable situations.
3. Robots can be hacked
Software and hardware are prone to cyber attacks, and robots are no exception. When a robot is hacked, a hacker can gain access to the robot’s software and cause it to malfunction. This can be extremely dangerous, especially for robots used in healthcare and other industries.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, which side of the robot revolution you are on will likely depend on your personal feelings. There is no need to fear them. Robots are here to help us and make our lives easier.
