Set aside your dystopian fears about machines replacing man in the near future. Robotic technology is more sophisticated and accessible than ever, but this has also given skilled workers the opportunity to collaborate with robots. Industry 4.0 involved digital communication and automation while Industry 5.0 merges human knowledge and skill with artificially intelligent and highly productive machinery.
Humans will be in charge of guiding the production process, while collaborative robots, called cobots, will do the literal heavy-lifting. This connected workforce will enable vast improvements in output while continuing to value human contribution. Industry 5.0 has the potential to combine the best talents of machines and people to create jobs, customize new products, and improve working conditions.
Combining machine and man
Although machines are more efficient at performing monotonous tasks, human possess two important attributes that robots lack: empathy and common sense. Despite enormous strides in artificial intelligence during the last decade, even the most advanced machines cannot compete with our analytical problem-solving and cognitive thinking. Industry 5.0 warehouses combine these human attributes with the dependability, productivity, and quality of robotics.
Create jobs
Although some have expressed concern over the potential of job loss for low-skilled workers as a result of automation, the ability to produce more output at a lower cost can vastly improve the global standard of living. For example, if automation makes the production of cars cheaper, then this reduction may be enough to offset slight decreases in wage or provide new jobs in fields such as taxi driving. Cobots will replace monotonous and dangerous jobs while freeing up higher-skilled individuals for better employment.
Customize new products
Robots are well-suited for assembly line production, but the human employees are much more capable of product customization and personalization. Art, design, and innovation are three uniquely human qualities. Robots can only perform the tasks which they are programmed to do over and over again. Without a spark of human creativity and ingenuity, we could never see improvement or deviation from these repetitive actions. Cobots’ purpose is to enhance the human labor force by specializing in fields we are unwilling or unable to work in.
Improve safety
The beginning of the Industrial Revolution was marred by the grievous injuries suffered by assembly line workers. However, improved safety regulations and better machinery have systematically eliminated these dangerous jobs. Robots are not at risk of losing life or limb in a workplace accident, and they are relatively indestructible. While robots are performing the difficult and strenuous tasks, their human co-workers can practice ingenuity and creativity while monitoring multiple robotic systems.
KION North America is a member of the KION Group–a global leader in industrial trucks, related services and supply chain solutions. We offer an impressive line of industrial forklifts including Linde and Baoli. Our sister company Dematic offers a comprehensive range of intelligent supply chain and automation solutions. For more information visit our website.
