Working with robots: What it's like and what to expect

Types of robots you may meet at work

As robots become more common in workplaces, you'll likely encounter different types.

Here are four main categories you may see:

• Industrial robots: These large, powerful machines are designed for manufacturing tasks like assembly, welding, and material handling. They operate automatically following programmed instructions, so safety is very important when working around them.
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• Service robots: While industrial robots work in factories, service robots help out with tasks in settings like hospitals, hotels, or offices. For example, delivery robots are already carrying documents between floors (but still a way off from mass adoption), and cleaning robots vacuum carpeted areas.
  
  Service robots often have some level of autonomy to navigate their environments.
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• Collaborative robots (cobots): These advanced robots work alongside humans in shared spaces. With multiple safety features, cobots can hand off parts to workers or hold heavy components in place during assembly. Their movements are precisely controlled to avoid collisions.
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• Mobile robots: You might also spot mobile robots roaming around. Self-driving robot carts could transport materials across warehouses or outdoor work sites. As technology evolves, even more robotic helpers may likely arrive to assist with daily operations and specialized tasks.

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What it's like to work with robots

Working alongside robots is an increasingly common experience!

Here's what to expect:

• Day-to-day interactions: It’s teamwork but with a bit of a twist. While robots take on the repetitive, boring, day-to-day tasks, you're the brains behind the operation. You'll monitor their performance, give them instructions, and troubleshoot any hiccups. It's an ongoing collaboration that requires you to stay engaged and adapt to the robot's capabilities.
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• Keeping tabs on performance: Robots are like the star athletes of the work world. They are great at repetitive tasks, but they need humans to keep them performing at their peak. That's where you come in. You'll analyze data on their speed, accuracy, and the quality of their work, making adjustments as needed to optimize their performance.
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• Teaming up with cobots: Collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed to partner up with humans. They might hand you materials, help you lift heavy objects, or even learn from your movements to improve their own skills. Clear communication and a shared understanding of each other's roles are vital for a productive collaboration.
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• Staying ahead of the curve: The world of robotics is constantly evolving, and so is the role of humans. This means saying “yes” to lifelong learning and staying up to date on the latest technologies and trends. As robots become more sophisticated, so will your interactions with them.

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Programming and maintenance responsibilities

Keeping robots running smoothly involves ongoing programming and maintenance work. 

Let’s take a look:

• Keep the program up to date. You'll be doing a lot of programming and coding to keep the robot functioning properly. That means writing new code, testing it thoroughly, and deploying updates with minimal downtime. Note that if your robot has a no-code framework, you’re in luck because these iterations are way more efficient and less time-consuming. 
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• Flag issues early. Robots require regular diagnostics and maintenance to prevent problems before they start. You'll learn to spot potential issues through monitoring systems and methodical inspections. Quick action helps maximize uptime.
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• Master troubleshooting skills. When something goes wrong, it's on you to quickly diagnose the root cause and get the robot back in working order. Hands-on troubleshooting expertise is a must for this role.

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Team dynamics

Working alongside robots requires a unique team dynamic. 

Let’s take a look at how you do it: 

• Don't treat robots like people. Build a professional working relationship, not a personal one. Robots operate based on code, not feelings. Develop rapport by learning how to give clear instructions and feedback.
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• Establish boundaries early. Clearly define roles and responsibilities for both humans and robots. Robots can only function within their programmed parameters. Setting boundaries prevents overstepping and maximizes productivity.

• Use straightforward language. Robots interpret instructions literally, so be precise.
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  Avoid ambiguity, sarcasm, or idioms robots can't decipher. Clearly explain what you need done, step-by-step.

• Plan for human-robot collaboration. This isn't about robots replacing humans; it's about robots complementing human skills. Robots can handle the repetitive, heavy lifting, while humans focus on tasks that require creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making.
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• Set roles and responsibilities. Just like any team, it's important to define who's doing what. Clearly outline which tasks are best suited for robots and which ones require human expertise. 
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• Monitor communication and coordination. Even though robots don't gossip by the water cooler, communication is still key! Humans need to be able to easily monitor and control robots, and robots need to provide feedback on their status and performance. This can be done through intuitive interfaces, visual displays, or even voice commands.

Skills needed for working with robots

To thrive in a robot-filled world, you need a blend of technical know-how and human ingenuity. 

Here are the skills you’ll need to succeed: 

• Technical skills: You'll need strong coding abilities to program robots. Learn languages like Python, C++, or Java. Also, brush up on AI, machine learning, sensors, and mechatronics.
  
  These let you understand how robots "think" and move. With the right tech skills, you can train robots, optimize performance, and troubleshoot issues.
  
  Note: Again, you’ll need far less technical knowledge for robots with no-code frameworks.

• Problem-solving mindset: Robots don't always work as expected. When things go wrong, you need creative problem-solving skills. Maybe a robot is getting stuck, making errors, or not following orders. You'll investigate root causes and devise innovative fixes — perhaps adjusting code, tweaking sensors, or re-training models.
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• Adaptability: Robotics is a rapidly changing field with new technologies constantly emerging. You have to embrace lifelong learning; Take online courses, read industry publications, and experiment with new tools. An open, curious mindset allows you to adapt as robots become smarter and more advanced.

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Benefits of working with robots

You're probably wondering what's so great about working alongside robots. There are quite a few perks.

Here are the top ones to look forward to:

• Robots are great at handling the boring stuff. They can work on and on without breaks (except for maintenance), reducing errors and delays.

• Say bye-bye to dangerous stuff. Hazardous or physically demanding jobs are better suited for robots. They can lift heavy loads and work in dangerous environments.
  
  With robots taking on risky tasks, workplace injuries go down — keeping you and your work buddies safe. 

• As robots take over manual labor, your role evolves. You'll gain new technical skills operating advanced equipment or transition to new tasks that use your complete skill set. Cross-training becomes essential as you take on more cognitive, problem-solving responsibilities. 
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• Efficiency rates skyrocket. Robots don't get tired or distracted; they can work around the clock at a consistent pace to increase productivity and boost ROI.
  
  Also, with their precise programming, robots make far fewer errors than humans on certain jobs, which improves quality control.
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• Benefit from long-term cost savings. While an initial investment, robots can operate at a lower cost than human labor over time. This is great for your bottom line — provided you take care of your human employees also.

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How to work safely with robots

Working with robots requires a watchful eye. You want to avoid injury while still taking advantage of their productivity-boosting skills.

Let’s see how you can achieve that:

• Keep your distance. Establish safe boundaries around robots' work areas. Never enter these spaces while a robot is active unless you are trained and following appropriate lockout procedures.
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• Get trained up. Before operating any robotic equipment, complete comprehensive safety training. Learn emergency stop procedures, protective equipment usage, and maintenance protocols.
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• Suit up. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment like safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and cut-resistant gloves when working around robots. Avoid loose clothing that could get caught.
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• Inspect regularly. Routinely examine robotic systems for faults, damage, fluid leaks, or other hazards. Immediately remove malfunctioning robots from service until properly repaired.

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Challenges of working with robots

Working with robots sure has perks — but it also comes with some unique challenges you'll want to be prepared for.

Let’s take a look:

• Steep learning curve: Operating robots requires specialized training and skills. You may need to invest significant time and resources into educating your workforce on robot programming, maintenance, and safety protocols.
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• Technical difficulties: Robots are complex machines prone to malfunctions and errors. Be prepared to troubleshoot hardware and software glitches, deal with downtime for repairs, and have backup plans when robots are out of commission.
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• Human-robot dynamics: Blending robotic and human workers has cultural and practical implications. Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and operations to maximize productivity while fostering a positive, collaborative environment.
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• Lack of emotional intelligence: Robots are incredibly intelligent, but they lack emotional intelligence and the ability to empathize. This can make interactions feel cold and impersonal at times.
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• Robotic limitations: As advanced as robots are becoming, they still have hard limits on what they can do. Tasks requiring subjective reasoning, true creativity, or advanced problem-solving are beyond their current scope.
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• Job redundancy fears: The growing presence of robots in the workplace understandably makes some human workers uneasy about their job security. Addressing these concerns head-on is critical.

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Summing up

That’s all there is to know about working with robots in 2024. 

With the right mindset, these robot workers can make your job easier and more productive. 

Just try to approach the experience with an open mind, be patient as you learn together, and remember that you still bring uniquely human skills to the table. 

Robot workers are here to stay, but so are humans.

Next steps

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