Robots are becoming increasingly common in manufacturing. Machines have been used in manufacturing for ages, but the number of jobs being automated is rapidly increasing. But this boom in robotics isn’t limited to just manufacturing. Automation and robotics are growing fields that reach to many industries. Robots have been replacing everything from bank tellers to baristas. So why are we seeing more and more robots everyday?
Automation provides some clear advantages over human workers. Unlike humans, robots don’t get tired. Robots can operate at full efficiency for 24 hours a day, and they don’t need breaks for meals or rest.
Machinery is also more affordable than human workers. You might pay a large initial cost upfront, but this cost can end up being more economical than paying wages over time.
Robots can do the jobs that humans don’t want to do, or those that they can’t physically do. In situations where immense physical strength or health risks are part of the job requirement, it makes more sense for machines to do the work.
While robots have many advantages over human workers, that’s not the sole reason for the increasing number of robots.
Robots are becoming cheaper to make, which also means that they are becoming more affordable. The introduction of Baxter has seen the price of an industrial robot decrease by half. Cheaper robots means more robots.
Not only are robots getting cheaper, but the technology behind robots and automation is advancing. Robots are capable of more complex tasks and performing those tasks with increased accuracy, dexterity, and sophistication.
All of these factors have driven the demand, which further pushes the research and development of automation and robotics. If robotics technologies continue to improve, the demand for robotics will continue to grow, and the number of robots we see will continue to increase.