ROBOTICS
“ A key part of realising AI ’ s value is creating the processes for employees to review the output of machines ”
ED CHALLIS HEAD OF AI STRATEGY , UIPATH
Amazon is a clear example of a company that has seamlessly integrated robots into its operations . At the end of 2023 , the company had deployed more than 750,000 robots to test human-like robot solutions at its robotics research and development site . This involved getting the robots to perform repetitive tasks and work collaboratively with employees .
“ It has been interesting and perhaps surprising to see AI changing the lives of office workers before it touches working practices in most factories ,” Anders Billesø Beck , Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Universal Robots , tells us .
“ We have many partners developing applications using AI to allow our robots to perform more complex and diverse functions . For example , AI allows robots to have human-like perception , handle variation , move parts precisely , adapt to changing environments , and learn from their own experience .
“ With time , these capabilities will lead to unprecedented flexibility , quality and reliability in manufacturing .”
Workplace anxieties : Human replacements versus workplace assistants However , as with any AI in the midst of a digital transformation boom , there are inevitable anxieties that must be addressed .
Whilst AI can be seamlessly integrated into the workplace , its increased sophistication has sparked fears that it will assist business development to the detriment of human employees – making jobs obsolete or even replacing humans altogether .
Plenty of technology companies have already undergone significant layoffs over the past year , including the likes of Google ,
86 March 2024