The Future Of Human-Robot Integration

In this episode of The Future Of, Jeff Burnstein, President of Association for Advancing Automation, and Aaron Prather, Director of Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program at ASTM International, join Jeff Dance to discuss the future of human-robot integration. They cover topics such as job displacement fears, the importance of standards and safety, the potential for meaningful work in the future, and the exciting potential of robotics and AI in various industries and their integration with humans.

With over thirty-five years of experience, Jeff has dedicated his career to advocating the utilization of robotics, machine vision, and motion control. He firmly believes that automation is revolutionizing every aspect of our lives, bringing about positive changes. Through automation, new and improved job opportunities are emerging while providing us with higher-quality products at more affordable prices. Additionally, Jeff sees the potential for automation to contribute to our longevity and overall well-being, promising to assist us in living longer and healthier lives.

Aaron plays a pivotal role in Robotics Standardization, Training and Certification, and R&D efforts. Building upon his extensive background of over twenty-five years at FedEx, where he began as a materials handler and later served as a senior technical advisor and R&D evangelist, Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his current position. During his tenure, he actively engaged in projects involving cutting-edge technologies such as robotics and AI, consistently striving for advancements and innovation.

They Cover:

[05:02] - The integration of humans and robots extends beyond physical integration, encompassing biohacking and shared spaces. Previously confined behind fences, robots are now seamlessly integrated into our lives, becoming essential tools for daily tasks. Wearable robots, like exoskeletons, are emerging, attaching to the human body and raising questions about their impact on humans. The line between humans and robots blurs further with concepts like the Dr. Octopus suits, showcasing the significant overlap between these two realms.
[07:00] - In the past, companies faced challenges with the complexity and cost of using robotics, hindering their adoption. However, the industry has made significant strides in addressing this issue by developing user-friendly robotics solutions that are easy to implement. While system integrators are still necessary in certain cases, simplified setup processes are becoming more prevalent. This emphasis on ease of use is crucial as industries aim to automate their operations. Additionally, the impact of AI, including technologies like ChatGPT and Machine Learning, is a significant topic of discussion. Moreover, the perception of robotics and automation has shifted, with small and medium-sized companies realizing that these technologies are not exclusive to large corporations like General Motors.
[13:24] - The initial fear that robots would eliminate jobs in the US automotive industry did result in significant job losses when the robot industry faced a downturn. However, the real threat to jobs arises when companies can't compete, putting all jobs at risk. In the past two decades, we witnessed a substantial shift of US jobs to Asia due to the pursuit of cheap labor. Ironically, China, now the world's largest robotics user, relies on robots to maintain its manufacturing dominance. This strategic focus on robotics allows them to excel in quality, delivery speed, and productivity. Despite concerns about replacing jobs, history has shown that technologies enhance productivity, create new jobs, and offer better pay and safety.
[23:03] - Staying updated on robot safety standards is crucial in the robotics industry, with the Association for Advancing Automation and ISO providing valuable support in this regard. Actively engaging and keeping oneself well-informed about these standards is essential, as ensuring the safety of robots forms a fundamental foundation of our industry. It is of utmost importance to prevent any harm to humans caused by robots and address any concerns people may have. Thanks to decades of dedicated work, we have achieved excellent safety standards that have effectively prevented incidents involving humans and robots.
[29:15] - Service robots have garnered significant attention recently, as they hold immense potential to assist us with various tasks, including elder care. We are gradually advancing in this field. The logistics industry has already showcased the effectiveness of mobile robots on a large scale. The deployment of autonomous mobile robots in warehouses and factories has demonstrated their versatility in diverse settings. Hospitals now employ robots to transport supplies from storage areas to nurses, enabling them to stay close to their patients. Likewise, in restaurants, waiter robots efficiently deliver food to tables, allowing human staff to focus on other aspects of service and ensuring a seamless dining experience.

Full transcript: https://www.freshconsulting.com/insights/podcasts/the-future-of-human-robot-integration/

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Episode resources:

Jeff Burnstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-burnstein-25b5138/
Association for Advancing Automation Website: https://www.automate.org/
Aaron Prather: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amprather/
ASTM International Website: https://www.astm.org/

About the Show

"The Future Of" is a podcast by Fresh Consulting & hosted by Jeff Dance, where we discuss and learn about the future of different industries, markets, and technology verticals. Together we'll chat with leaders and experts in the field and discuss how we can shape the future human experience.