Machines work faster than humans, and they make fewer mistakes. They cost less in the long run, they are more efficient, and they get more done in less time. Generally speaking, it makes sense to automate a task that can be automated. However, that does not mean that machines will take over completely; we won’t have huge numbers of unemployable human workers due to automation. Here are five things that will prevent robots from replacing humans.
Automation opens doors
People have worried about how technology, mechanization, and automation would affect employment throughout history. So far, human workers been able to find new ways to work and be useful.
History shows us that we don’t just sit around and become obsolete as we develop new technologies to improve working conditions and our quality of life. We continue to find new types of work, new jobs, and new things for people to do.
People are adaptable
Machines do a really good job at executing exact commands, but they’re not very good with variation. Adapting and adjusting to unexpected variables isn’t really in a robot’s wheelhouse. Our robots are becoming more and more capable; they can open doors, climb stairs, and do front flips. We have great sensors now, too.
Artificial intelligence that allows a robot to roll with the punches and adjust on the fly just isn’t here yet, though. Until then, we need the adaptability of humans.
People are creative
Human creativity is hard to explain accurately and clearly, let alone program it into a machine. Robots can create things in the sense that people can program machines to produce something. Music written by a robot isn’t the same as music written by a person.
We need creative people to come up with new ideas, new solutions, and new ways of looking at things.
Moral obligation
Unless we figure out a good way to provide for everyone’s basic human needs, we have to provide jobs so everyone can take care of those needs on their own. Bill Gates has an idea to provide universal basic income by taxing robots, but we’re a long way from that possibility.
Completely eliminating the need for human workers — thereby eliminating their means to support their families — would be morally wrong. We won’t let machines make human workers obsolete.
You can’t connect with robots
People like people. Sure, you have introverts and the occasional hermit in the woods, but humans are generally drawn to one another. We feel the need for company. Not everyone is a social butterfly, but even the shyest or most introverted person wants to be around family or a close friend from time to time.
We appreciate human connections from workers, too. Certainly, a compassionate doctor or teacher is more appreciated than a robot providing a diagnosis or a grade would be. But research has shown that people value human connections with UPS drivers and fast food workers, too.
Occupations and work that require emotional intelligence, empathy, and a human touch need human workers.
479-442-0390 for Indramat service
While automation won’t replace the need for human workers any time soon, it will continue to grow in importance in every aspect of industry. Make sure that your machines are ready for the future. Call 479-422-0390 for service, repair, and support for Indramat motion control systems.