How many of your colleagues are robots? In this month’s The Future Is WOW we look at the benefits robots will bring to the manufacturing industry. Let’s find out below how robots and humans can collaborate to create more efficient working environments.

Why we need a human versus robot mindset shift

With the coming of robots to the work floor, human employees were quick to conclude that in time they would be replaced by their robotic colleagues. However, to gain the most advantage of robots in the working environment, it’s essential to overcome the ‘us-versus-them way of thinking. To unlock the full potential of robots – or intelligent automation – companies would do well to put humans in the forefront. Continue reading here why a rebranding of automation as “human-assisted automation” enables employees to drive creativity and guide the systems in continuous learning.

Mobile robots: increasingly important parts of modern manufacturing

Mobile robots are almost indistinguishable from modern manufacturing nowadays. Over the last 10 years, the installation of industrial robots tripled. Of the different kinds of industrial robots, mobile robots are the most widely adopted ones. Within this segment, autonomous mobile robots are booming in particular. Robots can make sure that production goes smoothly and that parts travel easier across the factory. Continue reading on how mobile robots impact safety and quality in a plant.

How robotics and automation are creating jobs in manufacturing

The idea that robots replace human jobs is false, as recent studies in the UK show. On the contrary, adopting robots in the manufacturing process leads to even more jobs. With robots and other digital technologies implemented in a factory, businesses see increased productivity, lower operating costs, and better worker safety. Another benefit is that robots free human workers from dangerous manual labour. Human employees can now be elevated to other roles, where individual skills and their cognitive abilities can be better utilized.

A factory safety service robot to detect risks at your plant

What about a robot that could detect risks and help secure your workers’ safety? Hyundai introduced a ‘Factory Safety Service Robot’ on one of its industrial sites. In this pilot project, the company uses the robot to assist late-night security patrols. The robot’s main task is to create a safer working environment for the employees. Continue reading on Manufacturing Global to discover Spot’s (yes, that’s its name) strengths and the technologies it uses.