Workplace fatality rates have been stagnant for decades. Could robotics finally reduce them?

• Robotics in the workplace — especially autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs — may be able to reduce injuries and improve safety across a variety of industries, according to a May 25 report from the National Safety Council.

• Overall, U.S. workplace fatality rates haven’t changed much in the past three decades, despite efforts to reduce injury and death. However, newer technologies may be able to help.

• Based on information from academic journals, vendor interviews, and company case studies, the report outlines the various types of robots, their benefits and drawbacks, and best practices for implementation. This type of technology may be most effective for manufacturing applications and repetitive, high-volume production, according to the report, as well as several other settings:

• Inspection of confined spaces and industrial facilities: Construction, mining, and logging industries could use wheeled AMRs to reduce on-site hazards for human workers.

• Transportation of parts, goods, and materials: AMRs and automated guided vehicles can reduce the risk of human-machine collisions when used with sensors and computer vision.

• Use of robotic arms: Certain robot configurations can be used for precision cutting and welding, as well as the handling of toxic, high-temperature, and explosive materials.

• Manual machine handling: Robotic arms and automated vehicles can tend to machines, reposition parts, and manage manual processes.

Introduction

Workplace fatality rates have remained stagnant for decades, despite concerted efforts to improve safety. However, the emergence of robotics, particularly those focused on safety, brings renewed hope for reducing injuries and creating new job opportunities. In a recent report by the National Safety Council, the potential benefits of robotics in enhancing workplace safety were highlighted, emphasizing the need to embrace automation while addressing concerns about job displacement. This blog post explores the transformative potential of robotics in enhancing workplace safety and its impact on job creation.

Enhancing Workplace Safety with Robotics

The National Safety Council report underscores the significance of robotics in improving operational efficiencies and workplace safety programs. Advances in data science and artificial intelligence have empowered robotic vehicles and arms to work alongside human employees, minimizing their exposure to hazardous machinery and workplace risks. By augmenting complex and precise tasks, robots not only enhance productivity but also mitigate potential dangers to human workers.

Types of Robots and Their Applications

The report outlines various types of robots and their specific applications in industries where safety improvements are paramount. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Inspection of Confined Spaces and Industrial Facilities: Wheeled Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) can be employed in industries such as construction, mining, and logging to reduce on-site hazards for human workers by inspecting confined spaces and industrial facilities.

2. Transportation of Parts, Goods, and Materials: AMRs and automated guided vehicles equipped with sensors and computer vision can transport parts, goods, and materials, thereby minimizing the risk of collisions between humans and machines.

3. Use of Robotic Arms: Certain robot configurations are ideal for precision cutting, welding, and handling toxic, high-temperature, and explosive materials.

4. Manual Machine Handling: Robotic arms and automated vehicles can assist in tending to machines, repositioning parts, and managing manual processes.

Job Creation and Upskilling Opportunities

Contrary to concerns about job displacement, robotics focused on safety can lead to the creation of new employment opportunities in various domains. Engineering, maintenance, and programming roles will become increasingly vital as organizations adopt robotics technologies. While automation may alter some job requirements, it is more likely to augment human capabilities rather than replace workers entirely.

Proactive Measures and Considerations

The successful integration of robotics into the workplace requires proactive measures and careful considerations. Cost and ongoing maintenance may present challenges for smaller operations, but as technology advances, costs are expected to decrease. Tailoring robotic solutions to specific work environments is crucial to meet unique safety needs and ensure a positive return on investment.

Addressing concerns and upskilling initiatives are also crucial aspects of embracing automation. Proactive approaches, such as training programs and upskilling opportunities, can mitigate the potential consequences of automation, ensuring a smooth transition for displaced workers while harnessing the benefits of robotics technology.

Human-Technology Collaboration

It is essential to acknowledge that automation should not be viewed as a complete replacement for human workers. Robotics and automation primarily aim to augment human capabilities, improve workplace safety, and enhance overall efficiency. Collaborative efforts between humans and robots can lead to more efficient and safer work environments.

Consideration for Employee Needs

While embracing automation and AI in the workplace, organizations must prioritize employee needs and well-being. Large-scale technological changes necessitate employee buy-in and active input to envision how work should be accomplished effectively. By involving employees in decision-making processes, companies can strike a balance between leveraging technology and ensuring a supportive work environment.

Conclusion

The integration of robotics focused on safety holds immense potential to address stagnant workplace fatality rates and revolutionize various industries. Rather than causing job losses, robotics technology can create new employment opportunities in engineering, maintenance, and programming. By combining human skills with robotic capabilities, organizations can enhance workplace safety, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. With a proactive

“Robotics have long been deployed by organizations to improve operational efficiencies, but as companies increasingly look towards a more automated future, the many benefits this technology brings to workplace safety programs cannot be overlooked,” Katherine Mendoza, senior director of workplace programs with the National Safety Council, said in a statement.

“Recent advancements in data science and artificial intelligence mean that robotic vehicles and arms aren’t just capable of augmenting complex, precise tasks alongside human workers, but in many instances, can eliminate employees’ exposure to dangerous machinery and workplace hazards altogether,” she said.