There are several reasons why robots are not more prevalent today, but cost isn’t one of them. In fact, the cost of a robot worker is not too far off from that of a human employee and may even cost less in the long run. Fuji Foo, Chief Digital Officer at Certis explains, “To date, most robots are designed to accomplish very simple tasks and hence, often seen to add more of a novelty factor than adding value. Many robots in the past also fail to perform in the operating environments that they are meant to work in.”
While analysts are trying to piece together the picture of our world post-COVID-19, one thing is clear – robots can play a pivotal role. In the foreseeable future, movement and distancing restrictions look set to define our new normal. Clearly, robots are immune to the coronavirus and can be disinfected fairly quickly and be back at work without quarantine. So what’s stopping businesses from building a robot workforce now?
“Robots are only one part of equation. What is imperative now, is the need for organisations to rethink how man-machine collaboration will drive desired business outcomes.”
A robot, or digital workforce will add immense value but the roles and functions of robots must be designed in the context of the entire operations – much like how we scope the roles and responsibilities, workflows and processes of human employees. That is the key.”