Top 4 ‘Fabricated’ Tales About Robotics

Posted on 14 September 2019

Since the dawn of science fiction films, robots are at the forefront. It captured people’s interests, real or imagined, although some believe that robots are here taking over the human race. There are many urban legends, but what is the top 4 fables or misconceptions?

They are way too expensive

Robots are more affordable. The average cost has dropped dramatically over the years and is still falling. There are existing software solutions that make robot programming available and accessible.  It assists in reduce engineering time, hence, fewer fees that are needed to pay other programmers for their services.

Of course, there will be an outlay for your robot, but it is essential to remember that this robotic solution will soon pay for itself. Productivity, efficiency and quality will dramatically increase. Robots can work at very high speeds, perform repetitive tasks and can continue to work without needing a break – working 24 hours a day! Market demands are increasing, so this efficiency and momentum have significant benefits for manufacturers and companies.

Robots are hard to operate

Programmers can set up a robot as required by a manufacturer. Anything that needs fine-tuning is logged. After optimisation, the robot is taken through several tests to ensure that there are no issues once installed on the production floor. New technology is making it easier for programmers and engineers to modify their programs, enabling the robot to be even more efficient than they already are. Programming of a robot is purposely designed to be intuitive, no more challenging or complicated to understand than a smartphone!

Robots are responsible for the loss of employment

While it's true that increased automation can decrease job availability, this issue often gets blown out of proportion. The ultimate goal has always been the creation of new job categories and prospects in a modern economy and re-energised by new pristine productivity.

The tasks that robots are programmed for are well-matched for repetitive and dangerous jobs that employees find tedious and frustrating. Robots can free up employees from responsibilities, this may include industrial welding, organising the clean-up of nuclear waste and examining oil pipelines. Whether existing or new to the workforce, employees are safe from harm's way.

Robots are dangerous

Some robots, especially those that work at high speeds, are not intended to work in the vicinity with humans. These robots are designed to manage potentially hazardous work that once would have been done by individuals. Now with the application of robots, the risk factors of an accident have diminished, and safety has boosted.

Collaborative robots are designed to work with a human operator. These robots can work along with side humans as they have sensors that can detect if there is a possible collision. Safety devices can detect if someone is to walk into the same vicinity as the robot. It immediately slows down the machine. Once the operator has left the area, it will begin to operate at a higher speed.

All of the above misconceptions mislead many businesses into believing that robots are disruptive. It is placing them in a competitive disadvantage.