Robotics is a hot topic in the world of manufacturing, with stories abounding daily of new innovations – from BMW introducing humanoid robots in the US to robots as a service (RaaS) companies offering leasing models. However, the UK is at risk of falling behind, at only 24th in the world when it comes to robot density rankings.
Crucially, the introduction of robots often does not see human workers displaced, but instead improves their productivity – with the average German worker 30 per cent more productive than a UK worker, because of the country’s leading position in robotics. Leaders must embrace the fusion of a robot and human workforce, managing the integration between the two, to gain a competitive edge.
Ally, not competitor
Most current robotic schemes are designed to enhance human capabilities and still need people to operate them. Amazon’s Digit, a two-legged robot for moving empty boxes, is a good example; designed to eliminate mundane and repetitive processes, it has been introduced to help employees and does not mean that Amazon will require fewer staff. Share with your team the benefits that robots bring, including greater safety and improved efficiency, and encourage them to see how the new technology will save them from arduous tasks. Robots can be used for heavy lifting, for example, and have cut down walking distance by 70 to 80 per cent in Amazon’s warehouses, reducing fatigue. Currently, robots are limited to certain tasks and areas of the factory, and need humans to keep operations running smoothly.
In fact, collaborative robots or ‘cobots’ are gaining prominence. These robots are designed specifically to augment human skills, and their entire mechanism is tailored towards working with the people powering the factory. Take for example the cobots introduced by Ford, which operate alongside employees on the assembly line. They are designed specifically to act as colleagues, with the ability to work near human operators without jeopardising their safe zone. Any introduction of robotics into the workspace should consider how the new machines physically interact with staff, ensuring that your team feel fully considered in the layout of production lines, as well as supported and valued. In the case of Ford, the robot integration again did not replace workers but instead relieved them of monotonous tasks, giving them more time to make creative contributions.
Teach to innovate
Robots are not eliminating the need for humans, then, but instead causing their roles to change and adapt. In the long term, this looks like machines potentially displacing about 85 million jobs by 2025, but also creating 97 million new roles. As the manufacturing skills shortage continues, avoid alienating your existing workforce or discouraging younger generations from entering the industry, by upskilling your team so they are ready for the future. A strong training strategy will reassure workers that their career in manufacturing remains safe.
Forward-thinking leaders are prioritising learning and development, offering tuition reimbursement for robotics training, support for robotics apprenticeship programs and onsite training. This is the time to start partnerships with local colleges and trade schools, as well as investigating wider national initiatives like Make UK’s Introduction to Robotics or courses offered by the Manufacturing Training Centre. Focused training programs to develop robotics skills can improve worker productivity on automated tasks by over 70 per cent. Investing in training is crucial to integrating robotics into your manufacturing firm, not just to support your employees, but to ensure you get the most return on investment.
By embracing a human-first approach, businesses can blend the precision and efficiency of robots with the adaptability and creativity of human workers. As we navigate the future of manufacturing, leaders should be looking at where technology can enhance their existing workforce, and where in turn their team can grow and develop to be ready for the future. Reassurance and re-education are essential groundwork to any robotics integration, ensuring that your people are on board from day one.