How C-19 May Speed Up The Robotics Revolution
The Robotics Revolution May Be Looming
As COVID-19 continues its global rampage, many people are looking at robotics as a sound investment strategy. There’s no denying the massive impact of the pandemic on the world economy and supply chains which can justify this sort of reasoning.
In light of what has transpired, it’s no surprise that an increasing number of companies want to plan ahead, utilising technology to improve automation of production lines and putting in place more resilient supply chains. Robotics can certainly help as it has several distinct advantages.
The True Impact Of Covid-19 On The Global Economy
While the financial strains of the pandemic on the global economy is clear, we also need to consider the human factor. Even with several promising vaccines, more people are getting infected every day, not to mention the growing number of deaths.
Then there’s the issue around employment as many businesses have closed their doors, including restaurants, retail stores and cinemas among others. Whatever comes next is anyone’s guess but whichever you look at it, technology will play a significant role and that includes robotics.
Shifting Focus To Robotics And Artificial Intelligence
Besides the growing number of remote workers, businesses are taking extreme measures to safeguard their employees and production process. The most common is moving away from a human workforce and favouring robotics and automated solutions wherever possible. While this could speed up the widespread adoption of robotics, AI and machine learning, the shift was already in motion.
The shipping industry is no different where – long before the pandemic – businesses were investing billions in research and implementation of AI. Governments usually put aside conservative budgets when it comes to technology but Covid-19 changed that. Global leaders are investing heavily in AI, robotics and machine learning as these fields could offer a competitive edge in the future.
The Benefits Of Robotics During A Global Pandemic
Robots have been used in several sectors for quite some time with recent advances resulting in automated warehouses and shipping hubs. These machines can route packages, fill boxes and even remove items from the shelves for packing or distribution. Of course, people can perform these tasks but in the face of a serious global pandemic, Covid-19 or otherwise, the benefits are clear.
Besides the normal advantages of robotics, i.e. working continuously without taking breaks and doing tasks faster and more accurately, the most important right now is that the coronavirus doesn’t affect machines. The only virus they may be susceptible to is digital and that comes in the form of ransomware and similar online threats.
Robots don’t get sick which means they don’t have to self-isolate and risk spreading the disease to their friends, family and the general public. That is why various businesses from around the world have made the move toward robotics, including shipping carriers, major car manufacturers and grocery stores. Robots are being used for all sorts of tasks from manufacturing components and scrubbing floors in hospitals to helping load containers and packing shelves in grocery stores.
Online retailers have long relied on these automated technologies but as the pandemic continues, so will their investment and implementation of machine learning, artificial intelligence and robotics. While many warehouses still have human workers, these facilities are becoming more automated. Many companies are now looking for ways to utilise the human workforce more effectively, and safely.
What Does The Future Hold?
Robotics has undoubtedly changed the way the world works but the future remains uncertain. That said, many experts believe the new reliance on robots will continue even in a post-Covid world with a working vaccine.
One thing we do know is that the robotics revolution is already here and it’s only going to get bigger. There’s no denying the tremendous benefits but it could also lead to disruptions in employment, education and many other aspects of our lives. For example, the current levels of unemployment could soar, leaving millions without work.
A shift to a predominantly robotic workforce could also change the universal basic income (UBI) experiments. At the same time, the extensive stimulus packages of global governments could be the new normal which may have serious repercussions for all types of economies.
Final Thoughts
With technology rapidly advancing, the future we all dreamed of is fast approaching but only time will tell the after-effects of implementing wide-scale robotics. Considering the inevitability of the shift to robotics and automation, should we consider it revolutionary or evolutionary?
Robotics and technology have long played a big role across various sectors and with the current global health crisis, many industry pundits in business, government and high-tech manufacturing say there is no going back.
Link Ship Chandler is an expert Maritime and Offshore Gas and Oil Rig Procurement Company supplying provisions, equipment and parts to marine vessels. This includes safety gear, office supplies, medical supplies, food and beverages.
For more information about ship supplies, products or services, contact the Link Ship Chandler team on the website. If you liked reading this article and want to keep up to date on the latest industry news, follow our blog.
Leave a Reply