Robots: Your New Best Friend at Work

inVia robot in warehouse
Once limited to science fiction, robots are now a reality. And while many people may relegate robots’ roles to the services performed by Rosie from the Jetsons, advancements in technology and artificial intelligence have brought about ‘bots that can serve a range of functions.

Throughout history, we have developed new technologies – from the wheel, to the engine, to computers and smartphones – that help people to be more productive at their jobs, in turn enabling society to be more efficient. With the introduction of adaptive robotics, we have entered an era which will help people to be even more productive, improving the living standard of many people.

Robots are here, and coming soon to a workplace near you. Already, we’re seeing implementations of robots in a variety of settings and industries. Where might you find them? Let’s explore a few examples in depth.

HEALTHCARE

One industry tapping robots is healthcare. While the expertise and bedside manner of doctors and healthcare providers is irreplaceable, robots can help professionals perform their jobs with precision, and even complete tasks that are impossible for humans.

We’ve already seen robots play a number of interesting roles in the healthcare industry. For example, a surgical oncologist in Bakersfield, CA, recently used a robotic arm in a surgery, and found that not only was his patient’s healing time shortened, but the physical strain he tends to experience in lengthy surgeries was alleviated. With the ability to make precise incisions and swivel at angles that are unachievable by a human, a robot can be a helpful counterpart to the skills of experienced medical professionals.

As this technology continues to evolve, robots can help to provide healthcare in more remote areas with a shortage of medical professionals. In 2014, one surgeon remotely controlled a robot to perform surgeries across the globe. In the coming years, telesurgeries will become increasingly common, sparking a new era of increased healthcare accessibility in all corners of the globe.

Outside of medical facilities, experts are developing robotic systems to help with disease management and treatment in high-risk environments or during epidemics. During the 2014 Ebola epidemic, experts developed and deployed robots to help manage the crisis. Rather than sending a human aid worker into a highly contagious area, a robot could help to deliver medical supplies and aid, facilitating treatment.

RETAIL

Another industry experimenting with robot workers is retail. While shoppers still seek out the customer service experience of interfacing with a human, robots can assist with more menial tasks in retail stores, and provide helpful guidance and information. For example, sensors and cameras enable robots to detect shoppers upon arrival, greet them, and navigate through a store to assist with finding an item. Furthermore, robots can share information with shoppers on a store’s behalf, informing consumers of in-store promotions or giving real-time updates on pricing and inventory.

The use cases of robots in retail we see today are just scratching the surface in terms of the potential for the technology. For example, picture a shoe store. A shopper will be able to go into the store, look at a shoe they are interested in buying, and scan it with their phone to learn more about it. They may also speak with a store employee to learn additional details and source opinions on the shoes. Once they have decided on a pair, a robot will pick the pair of the correct size and color from a back store-room, where products can be stored more efficiently. This type of service will enable brick-and-mortar retailers to compete with growing e-retailers, as they will be able to provide a value-added service through the consultation of an in-store employee, while still maintaining efficiency in their stores. While this may seem far away, these sorts of robotic applications are becoming more and more realistic as automation technology matures.

WAREHOUSES AND FULFILLMENT

Robots can also be an asset behind the scenes of a business, working in warehouses to assist with inventory management and order fulfillment.

Human warehouse workers have historically faced challenging work conditions, resulting from hours of manual labor and increasing pressure for businesses to cut costs. For example, the U.S. Department of Labor estimated that general industry accidents lead to 95 million lost workdays per year. By using robots to perform manual labor instead, the health and safety of human workers is improved.

While automated forklifts and automatic guided vehicles are currently utilized in warehouses for mass movement of product, many e-retailers are looking to hold less inventory and handle items individually. This new movement within the e-commerce space has created a demand for adaptive robotic solutions that can pick specific items and move them around the warehouse with ease.

MORE TO COME

Robots have the potential to work alongside humans in a range of settings; from the back-end of commerce working in warehouses and fulfillment, to the front of a retail store helping to sell products, and everywhere in between. And as technology continues to advance, the use cases for functional robots will continue to expand and diversify. This will enable our society to be more efficient and have more enjoyable and fulfilling jobs.