Tag Archives: robotic process automation

The Robots Aren’t Really Going to Take Over

The Robots Aren't Really Going to Take Over

GUEST POST from Greg Satell

In 2013, a study at Oxford University found that 47% of jobs in the United States are likely to be replaced by robots over the next two decades. As if that doesn’t seem bad enough, Yuval Noah Harari, in his bestselling book Homo Deus, writes that “humans might become militarily and economically useless.” Yeesh! That doesn’t sound good.

Yet today, ten years after the Oxford Study, we are experiencing a serious labor shortage. Even more puzzling is that the shortage is especially acute in manufacturing, where automation is most pervasive. If robots are truly taking over, then why are having trouble finding enough humans to do work that needs being done?

The truth is that automation doesn’t replace jobs, it replaces tasks and when tasks become automated, they largely become commoditized. So while there are significant causes for concern about automation, such as increasing returns to capital amid decreasing returns to labor, the real danger isn’t with automation itself, but what we choose to do with it.

Organisms Are Not Algorithms

Harari’s rationale for humans becoming useless is his assertion that “organisms are algorithms.” Much like a vending machine is programed to respond to buttons, humans and other animals are programed by genetics and evolution to respond to “sensations, emotions and thoughts.” When those particular buttons are pushed, we respond much like a vending machine does.

He gives various data points for this point of view. For example, he describes psychological experiments in which, by monitoring brainwaves, researchers are able to predict actions, such as whether a person will flip a switch, even before he or she is aware of it. He also points out that certain chemicals, such as Ritalin and Prozac, can modify behavior.

Therefore, he continues, free will is an illusion because we don’t choose our urges. Nobody makes a conscious choice to crave chocolate cake or cigarettes any more than we choose whether to be attracted to someone other than our spouse. Those things are a product of our biological programming.

Yet none of this is at all dispositive. While it is true that we don’t choose our urges, we do choose our actions. We can be aware of our urges and still resist them. In fact, we consider developing the ability to resist urges as an integral part of growing up. Mature adults are supposed to resist things like gluttony, adultery and greed.

Revealing And Building

If you believe that organisms are algorithms, it’s easy to see how humans become subservient to machines. As machine learning techniques combine with massive computing power, machines will be able to predict, with great accuracy, which buttons will lead to what actions. Here again, an incomplete picture leads to a spurious conclusion.

In his 1954 essay, The Question Concerning Technology the German philosopher Martin Heidegger sheds some light on these issues. He described technology as akin to art, in that it reveals truths about the nature of the world, brings them forth and puts them to some specific use. In the process, human nature and its capacity for good and evil is also revealed.

He gives the example of a hydroelectric dam, which reveals the energy of a river and puts it to use making electricity. In much the same sense, Mark Zuckerberg did not “build” a social network at Facebook, but took natural human tendencies and channeled them in a particular way. After all, we go online not for bits or electrons, but to connect with each other.

In another essay, Building Dwelling Thinking, Heidegger explains that building also plays an important role, because to build for the world, we first must understand what it means to live in it. Once we understand that Mark Zuckerberg, or anyone else for that matter, is working to manipulate us, we can work to prevent it. In fact, knowing that someone or something seeks to control us gives us an urge to resist. If we’re all algorithms, that’s part of the code.
Social Skills Will Trump Cognitive Skills

All of this is, of course, somewhat speculative. What is striking, however, is the extent to which the opposite of what Harari and other “experts” predict is happening. Not only have greater automation and more powerful machine learning algorithms not led to mass unemployment it has, as noted above, led to a labor shortage. What gives?

To understand what’s going on, consider the legal industry, which is rapidly being automated. Basic activities like legal discovery are now largely done by algorithms. Services like LegalZoom automate basic filings. There are even artificial intelligence systems that can predict the outcome of a court case better than a human can.

So it shouldn’t be surprising that many experts predict gloomy days ahead for lawyers. By now, you can probably predict the punchline. The number of lawyers in the US has increased by 15% since 2008 and it’s not hard to see why. People don’t hire lawyers for their ability to hire cheap associates to do discovery, file basic documents or even, for the most part, to go to trial. In large part, they want someone they can trust to advise them.

The true shift in the legal industry will be from cognitive to social skills. When much of the cognitive heavy lifting can be done by machines, attorneys who can show empathy and build trust will have an advantage over those who depend on their ability to retain large amounts of information and read through lots of documents.

Value Never Disappears, It Just Shifts To Another Place

In 1900, 30 million people in the United States worked as farmers, but by 1990 that number had fallen to under 3 million even as the population more than tripled. So, in a matter of speaking, 90% of American agriculture workers lost their jobs, mostly due to automation. Yet somehow, the twentieth century was seen as an era of unprecedented prosperity.

You can imagine anyone working in agriculture a hundred years ago would be horrified to find that their jobs would vanish over the next century. If you told them that everything would be okay because they could find work as computer scientists, geneticists or digital marketers, they would probably have thought that you were some kind of a nut.

But consider if you told them that instead of working in the fields all day, they could spend that time in a nice office that was cool and dry because of something called “air conditioning,” and that they would have machines that cook meals without needing wood to be chopped and hauled. To sweeten the pot you could tell them that ”work” would mostly consist largely of talking to other people. They may have imagined it as a paradise.

The truth is that value never disappears, it just shifts to another place. That’s why today we have less farmers, but more food and, for better or worse, more lawyers. It is also why it’s highly unlikely that the robots will take over, because we are not algorithms. We have the power to choose.

— Article courtesy of the Digital Tonto blog
— Image credit: Pixabay

Subscribe to Human-Centered Change & Innovation WeeklySign up here to join 17,000+ leaders getting Human-Centered Change & Innovation Weekly delivered to their inbox every week.

Robots and Automation

Redefining Industries and the Workforce

Robots and Automation

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

The world is undergoing a technological revolution, where robots and automation are increasingly prevalent in industries, altering the way we work and transforming entire sectors. This paradigm shift has given rise to a new era for the global workforce, with significant implications for the economy and society as a whole. In this thought leadership article, we will explore how robots and automation redefine industries and reshape the workforce by examining two compelling case study examples.

Case Study 1: The Automotive Industry

The automotive industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation due to the integration of robots and automation. Assembly lines that were once dominated by human labor have now become hubs of robotic efficiency. Manufacturing giants like Tesla and Toyota have turned to automation to enhance production speed, improve quality control, and ultimately increase profitability.

The deployment of robots and automation in the automotive sector has proven to be a game-changer. By automating repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, such as welding, painting, and assembly, manufacturers have achieved greater precision and consistency in their operations. This shift has also led to a reduction in workplace injuries, as robots effectively handle hazardous tasks and operate in environments inhospitable to humans.

Yet, the introduction of automation in the automotive industry has not come without its challenges. While overall productivity has surged, concerns about job displacement have mounted. However, it is important to note that automation has typically resulted in the creation of new jobs that are more cognitively demanding and require advanced technical skills. Moreover, the shift to automation allows human workers to be up-skilled in areas such as robot programming, maintenance, and supervision, leading to higher job satisfaction and improved career prospects.

Case Study 2: E-commerce and Warehousing

The rapid growth of e-commerce has revolutionized the retail industry, prompting a surge in demand for warehousing and fulfillment centers. Robots and automation have played a pivotal role in meeting this demand by redefining the warehousing landscape. Companies like Amazon have embraced robotics to optimize their logistics operations, enhance efficiency, and streamline processes.

Robots deployed in e-commerce warehouses are capable of picking, packing, and sorting products at remarkable speeds, far surpassing the capabilities of human workers. They navigate the warehouse floor with precision and utilize machine learning algorithms to continuously improve their performance. Automation allows for a much quicker order fulfillment process, leading to reduced delivery times and improved customer satisfaction.

While the use of robots in e-commerce warehouses has raised concerns about job displacement, it is vital to understand the broader picture. As demand for online shopping and rapid delivery increases, the need for more sophisticated logistics operations grows as well. This expansion necessitates a larger workforce to manage, program, and maintain the robotic systems. Furthermore, the integration of automation in e-commerce has opened up new opportunities for workers in areas such as inventory management, data analysis, and customer service, illustrating the transformative nature of this technology.

Conclusion

Robots and automation are undoubtedly redefining industries and transforming the global workforce. As exemplified by the automotive industry and e-commerce sector, the integration of this technology has led to increased productivity, improved quality control, and enhanced safety measures. While concerns about job displacement persist, historical evidence suggests that automation creates new roles that require advanced skills, benefiting workers in the long run. To adapt to this rapidly changing landscape, harnessing the potential of robots and automation will be crucial for individuals, companies, and policymakers alike. It is through proactive adaptation and up-skilling that we can embrace this technological revolution and shape a future where robots work alongside humans for the betterment of society.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Wikimedia

Subscribe to Human-Centered Change & Innovation WeeklySign up here to get Human-Centered Change & Innovation Weekly delivered to your inbox every week.

The Future of Robotics: How Automation Will Transform Industries

The Future of Robotics: How Automation Will Transform Industries

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Over the past few decades, advancements in robotics and automation have heralded a new era in industries across the globe. From manufacturing and healthcare to transportation and agriculture, the potential of robots has reached unprecedented heights. This technological revolution has not only increased efficiency and productivity but also sparked considerable speculation about how it will transform various sectors. Two case studies demonstrate the transformative power of automation and provide insights into the future of robotics in industries.

Case Study 1: Automotive Manufacturing

The automotive industry has long been at the forefront of automation, and the rise of robots has significantly transformed the sector. Traditionally, car manufacturing involved human workers on assembly lines performing repetitive tasks. However, the introduction of robots has revolutionized this process, leading to increased precision, speed, and cost-effectiveness.

Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is a prime example of how robotics have transformed automotive manufacturing. Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada, one of the largest manufacturing facilities in the world, heavily relies on automation. The plant is equipped with thousands of robots that perform tasks like welding, painting, and assembly, greatly reducing the need for human labor. As a result, Tesla can produce vehicles faster, with higher quality, and at a lower cost.

The future of robotics in automotive manufacturing lies in the development of autonomous vehicles. Companies like Waymo and Uber are already testing self-driving cars, which will have a profound impact on transportation and mobility. This integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) will not only revolutionize the way vehicles are manufactured but also disrupt the entire automotive industry.

Case Study 2: Healthcare

As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, robotics and automation offer potential solutions to challenges faced by the sector. From surgical procedures to patient care, robots are being developed to improve medical outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency.

Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci Surgical System is a prime example of how robotics have transformed surgical procedures. The da Vinci System enables minimally invasive surgeries by providing surgeons with enhanced vision, precision, and control. This advanced robotic technology allows for smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, and faster patient recovery times. As a result, patients experience shorter hospital stays and fewer complications.

In addition to surgical robotics, automation is increasingly being used in rehabilitation and eldercare. Robots like PARO, a therapeutic seal robot, and Pepper, a humanoid social companion robot, are being employed in healthcare settings to provide emotional support, alleviate loneliness, and assist in physical therapy. These robots not only enhance patient experiences but also alleviate the burden on healthcare professionals.

Looking ahead, the future of robotics in the healthcare sector holds immense potential. Advancements in AI and machine learning will enable robots to perform more complex medical procedures, analyze large amounts of patient data, and provide personalized healthcare recommendations.

Conclusion

The future of robotics and automation is undeniably changing the landscape of industries around the world. As seen in the automotive manufacturing and healthcare sectors, robots are revolutionizing traditional processes, increasing efficiency, and improving outcomes. Looking ahead, the integration of AI, machine learning, and advanced robotics will continue to transform industries, leading to increased productivity, cost savings, and even new job opportunities. Harnessing the full potential of robotics and automation will be crucial for industries to thrive in the future.

Bottom line: Futurists are not fortune tellers. They use a formal approach to achieve their outcomes, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to be their own futurist.

Image credit: Pexels

Subscribe to Human-Centered Change & Innovation WeeklySign up here to get Human-Centered Change & Innovation Weekly delivered to your inbox every week.

Exploring the Potential of Automated Business Processes

Exploring the Potential of Automated Business Processes

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Business automation is increasingly becoming an important part of enterprise operations and is being used for a wide range of activities from payroll to customer service. Automating business processes is essentially a way for organizations to make their procedures faster, more efficient and reduce cost of operations. With so much potential for cost savings and efficiency, it is understandable why businesses are exploring automated business processes more and more.

By replacing labor-intensive processes with automated systems, businesses are finding cost savings and improved service levels that would have been difficult to achieve before. Additionally, these solutions can offer additional benefits such as better accuracy and optimization of business processes. With these potential benefits in mind, let’s explore some of the potential uses and case study examples of automated business processes.

Case Study 1 – Automated Payroll

One of the most common uses for automated processes is in the areas of employee administration and payroll. Automated systems can handle everything from on-boarding and benefits administration to payroll and taxes. This type of automation can reduce the amount of time and cost spent on administrative tasks while also ensuring that all processes are in compliance with applicable regulations.

For example, Canadian fashion retailer Reitmans recently implemented an automated payroll process that streamlined their processes and introduced cost savings of $50,000. The company was able to achieve this cost saving while still ensuring compliance with the government’s labor standards.

Case Study 1 – Order Processing

Another area where automated processes can be beneficial is order processing. Automated solutions can help manage order processing from taking an order to delivering it, furthering cost savings and faster turnover. Automation can reduce the manual effort to process orders which can lead to more orders being processed without the need to increase staffing.

One such example is from digital retailer Mabel’s Labels. The company is using an automated order processing system to automatically generate orders, check them, and ship them out within 24 hours. This automation has enabled the company to reduce order processing time from seven days to 24 hours.

Conclusion

With so much potential to automate business processes, it appears organizations are just starting to explore the potential of automation. As more organizations become comfortable with automation solutions, it’s likely we’ll see an increasing number of companies taking advantage of these solutions in the near future. Companies interested in taking advantage of automated processes should be sure to fully research the options available before implementing a solution.

SPECIAL BONUS: Braden Kelley’s Problem Finding Canvas can be a super useful starting point for doing design thinking or human-centered design.

“The Problem Finding Canvas should help you investigate a handful of areas to explore, choose the one most important to you, extract all of the potential challenges and opportunities and choose one to prioritize.”

Image credit: Pixabay

Subscribe to Human-Centered Change & Innovation WeeklySign up here to get Human-Centered Change & Innovation Weekly delivered to your inbox every week.

Exploring the Benefits of Automating Business Processes

Exploring the Benefits of Automating Business Processes

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Over the last decade, automation technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate. Automation can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline processes, allowing businesses to maximize their profits while minimizing their overhead. Automating business processes can also improve customer service, reduce risk, and increase accuracy. The benefits of automating business processes are numerous, and companies of all sizes are beginning to capitalize on them.

One of the most prominent benefits of automating business processes is improved efficiency. Automation can automate mundane tasks such as data entry or customer service inquiries, freeing up employees to focus on more important tasks. Automation can also reduce the time needed to complete certain tasks, and can even reduce the number of steps involved in completing certain processes. Automation can also improve accuracy, as automated systems are less likely to make mistakes than humans.

Another benefit of automating business processes is cost reduction. Automation can reduce the need for manual labor, resulting in lower labor costs. Additionally, automated systems are often more efficient than manual processes, resulting in fewer resources being used and therefore lower costs. Automation can also reduce the time needed to complete certain processes, resulting in reduced overhead costs.

Automation can also improve customer service. Automation can automate mundane tasks such as data entry or customer service inquiries, freeing up employees to focus on more important tasks. Automation can also reduce the time needed to complete certain tasks, resulting in faster response times and better customer service. Automation can also improve accuracy, as automated systems are less likely to make mistakes than humans.

Finally, automating business processes can reduce risk. Automation can automate processes that involve risk, such as accounts receivable or payroll. Automating such processes can reduce the risk of mistakes and help ensure accuracy. Automation can also reduce the risk of data loss or theft, as automated systems are often more secure than manual processes.

Case Study – Amazon:

One company that has successfully leveraged the benefits of automation is Amazon. Amazon has automated many of its processes, from its inventory management system to its customer service platform. Automating these processes has allowed Amazon to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide better customer service. Amazon has also been able to reduce the risk of mistakes, as automated systems are less likely to make errors than humans.

Case Study – Microsoft:

Another company that has successfully leveraged the benefits of automation is Microsoft. Microsoft has automated many of its processes, from its software development process to its customer service platform. Automating these processes has allowed Microsoft to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide better customer service. Additionally, automating processes has allowed Microsoft to reduce the risk of mistakes, as automated systems are less likely to make errors than humans.

Conclusion

Overall, businesses of all sizes can benefit from automating their processes. Automation can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline processes, allowing businesses to maximize their profits while minimizing their overhead. Automation can also improve customer service, reduce risk, and increase accuracy. The benefits of automating business processes are numerous, and companies of all sizes are beginning to capitalize on them.

Image credit: Pixabay

Subscribe to Human-Centered Change & Innovation WeeklySign up here to get Human-Centered Change & Innovation Weekly delivered to your inbox every week.

How to Get Started with Robotic Process Automation

How to Get Started with Robotic Process Automation

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a rapidly growing technology that is revolutionizing the way businesses automate tasks and processes. RPA is an automated technology that enables businesses to automate their repetitive processes, while freeing up their employees to focus on more important tasks. This article will provide you with an overview of RPA and guide you on how to get started.

What is RPA?

RPA is a type of automation technology that uses software robots to automate mundane, repetitive tasks. RPA robots can be programmed to complete any process or task that requires human input. This includes data entry, form filling, document processing, and more. RPA eliminates the need for manual labor and helps businesses save time, money, and resources.

How Does RPA Work?

RPA works by taking over the manual, repetitive tasks that would usually be done by a human. RPA robots are programmed to complete tasks such as data entry, form filling, and document processing. The robots are programmed to understand the instructions given to them, complete the tasks, and report back with the results.

Benefits of RPA

RPA offers numerous benefits to businesses, such as:

  • Increased efficiency – RPA can complete tasks quickly and accurately, eliminating the need for manual labor.
  • Cost savings – RPA robots are cheaper to run than human labor, and they require a minimal amount of training.
  • Improved customer experience – RPA robots can process customer data quickly and accurately, allowing businesses to offer a better customer experience.
  • Reduced errors – RPA robots are programmed to complete tasks accurately and consistently, reducing the rate of errors.

Getting Started with RPA

Getting started with RPA requires a basic understanding of the technology, as well as an understanding of the processes that need to be automated. To get started with RPA, you will need to:

  1. Identify the processes that need to be automated
  2. Develop a strategy for implementing RPA
  3. Choose the right RPA software
  4. Train your staff on how to use the software
  5. Monitor the performance of the robots and make any necessary changes

Conclusion

Robotic Process Automation is a rapidly growing technology that can help businesses automate mundane, repetitive tasks. This article provides an overview of RPA and a guide on how to get started. With the right strategy and software, businesses can reap numerous benefits from RPA, such as increased efficiency, cost savings, improved customer experience, and reduced errors.

Image credit: Pixabay

Subscribe to Human-Centered Change & Innovation WeeklySign up here to join 17,000+ leaders getting Human-Centered Change & Innovation Weekly delivered to their inbox every week.