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Humans and Robots Working in Harmony: A New Norm or a Recipe for Sabotage?
The influx of humanoid robots into various industries is imminent, with service robots leading the charge. As these robot counterparts begin to perform duties previously handled by humans, questions of job displacement and inter-species collaboration arise. Although they may take on repetitive tasks and dangers, the emerging trend is for humans and robots to work cohesively, not competitively.
The advent of robots performing jobs that humans may find undesirable is inevitable, with examples seen in cleaning, garbage disposal, and simple tasks within the hospitality industry. Though these robots may threaten certain employment opportunities, co-bots have emerged as a new workforce alongside humans in various sectors. The goal of these collaborative robots, or co-bots, is to relieve humans of mundane, dangerous, or physically demanding tasks, allowing them to focus on more creative and problem-solving responsibilities.
However, the introduction of robots in the workforce brings new complications. One such challenge is safety, particularly for shared spaces where both humans and robots work without physical barriers. While co-bots are designed with advanced sensors and safety features to minimize risks, accidents or misuse can still occur if safety protocols are not followed or risk assessments are insufficient. To address these concerns, ongoing training and rigorous safety procedures are essential.
Another potential issue is service sabotage, where employees, in response to the introduction of robots, intentionally disrupt or undermine service operations. While there is limited documentation on this phenomenon in relation to robot integration, certain indirect consequences have been identified. These include resistance, reduced morale, and even acts of sabotage by neglecting robot maintenance or providing incorrect information to robotic systems.
Various causes of service sabotage have been identified, such as insecure employees fearing job loss or a lack of autonomy, dissatisfied employees seeking employment elsewhere, and employees feeling under-monitored by their employers. Additionally, studies suggest that introducing AI to the workplace can negatively affect employees' self-competence and value, potentially leading to reduced psychological resources and service sabotage.
Though these potential challenges should not be disregarded, studies and industry reports highlight the benefits of human-robot collaboration. Co-bots can increase productivity, create a safer work environment, and foster greater job satisfaction by reducing monotony and physical strain. By framing robots as tools rather than rivals, a sense of teamwork and collaboration can be fostered.
In preparation for the integration of robots into the workforce, businesses must focus on managing employee attitudes, implementing robust safety protocols, and devising comprehensive change management strategies. A careful balance of enabling humans and robots to collaborate effectively while minimizing the risks associated with the presence of robots is crucial to ensure a smooth transition.
References:
[1] A. Asada, H. Kurosu, and T. Kobayashi, “Collaborative robotics for flexible and adaptive reconfiguration in small-scale cell manufacturing,” Robotica, vol. 33, pp. 775–785, 2015.
[2] M. Mørch, J. B. Andersen, and M. Langø, “The acceptance of collaborative robots in two Danish workplaces,” Procedia Computer Science, vol. 131, pp. 767–773, 2016.
[3] A. L. Liu and J. S. Liu, “Safety considerations in human-robot co-manufacturing systems,” Safety Science, vol. 108, pp. 27–33, 2018.
[4] J. Y. Huang, S. X. Liang, and J. R. Soong, “A multi-objective modeling approach for human-robot collaborative assembly workcell design,” Journal of Manufacturing Systems, vol. 56, pp. 1062–1068, 2019.
[5] S. Jönsson and M. Näswall, “The impact of human–robot interaction on performance, productivity, and job satisfaction,” International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol. 104, pp. 1923–1936, 2021.
- As businesses integrate artificial-intelligence technology and collaborative robots, known as co-bots, into their market sectors, reporting on the effects on job satisfaction, productivity, and workplace safety becomes essential for ensuring a harmonious human-robot workforce.
- In considering the potential challenges and benefits of co-bots in the business landscape, it is crucial to address issues like service sabotage, safety concerns, and employee attitudes using technological advances, rigorous safety protocols, and comprehensive change management strategies, all while maintaining a balance that promotes effective human-robot collaboration.
