Artificial Intelligence: Its impact in the way we work
In recent years, the word “industry 4.0” has constantly been used all around the world. Indeed, this 4th industrial revolution comes with a beautiful purpose: to connect the cyber and the physical world together, improving our way of working. But what can really be applied from this concept so far?
Relating to this, our article analyses the use of Artificial Intelligence and robotics in manufacturing, more precisely in the context of industrial robots.
To start with, it seems relevant to put some ground rules on a couple of terms:
What is artificial intelligence?
In their article, Britannica states that AI is “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings”. Adding to that, we can say that the more information/data are provided to this computer, the better it will become at accomplishing the task it was built to perform. Indeed, AI is built out from algorithms programmed to solve a specific issue, so it comes with its limitations. After implementing artificial intelligence for a specific application, it will improve and adapt by itself to the possible variations, making the action more perfect over time. However, the “intelligent robot” won’t be able to create a whole new task by itself, since experts need to define the environment in which it will be used.
What are industrial robots?
As shared in a Mecademic’s article, the ISO norm refers to industrial robots as “automatically controlled, reprogrammable, multipurpose manipulator, programmable in three or more axes, which can be either fixed in place or fixed to a mobile platform for use in industrial automation applications”. In our context, we focus on robot arms composed of at least 4 axes, used in a variety of industrial applications such as palletizing, assembly, pick & place or polishing. As a matter of fact, those robots are generally incapable of making intelligent decisions during a performed application, leading them to be laboriously reprogrammed when an even little change occurs during the production.
The industry today
On the bright side, the current robotic solutions on the market already have facilitated (and still does) a lot of companies’ lives. Indeed, as per the International Federation of Robotics’ 2020 report, the global adoption of industrial robots attained a record of 2.7 millions. On the other hand, an important number of manufacturers still face considerable challenges when it comes to reprogramming or implementing new solutions. Bringing modifications to their production line quickly takes hours. Moreover, many societies can’t even consider integrating new technologies, as the installation’s base budget stays very costly. The reason behind is usually the complexity of applications that need to be programmed manually.
In some cases those challenges can be overcome through the use of collaborative robots, yet this option doesn’t answer all productions’ problems. Otherwise said, cobots provide a safe working environment and are easy to In some cases those challenges can be overcome through the use of collaborative robots, yet this option doesn’t answer all productions’ problems. Otherwise said, cobots provide a safe working environment and are easy to interact with, yet are still too slow to complete their task (on an industrial point of view).
AI in Industry
We can see now where artificial intelligence plays an important role. For some years, companies such as AICA have worked hard to develop solutions allowing AI integration into existing robot solutions. When variations between batch parts are encountered, the industrial robot will learn from existing data and autonomously improve its motions for the rest of the production. In addition to that, reprogramming costs can be cut down, while productivity increases. To clarify, artificial intelligence provides more flexibility in the sense that any employee easily manages to manipulate robots, so there is no need for highly trained experts. The goal is of course to assign the robots in recurring and arduous activities, while the human labour can focus on productive tasks
« Robots will steal our jobs! »
As far as automation is concerned, there has always been the apprehension of jobs disappearing. Although there is a part of truth, some jobs have disappeared, it can undoubtedly be argued.
First and foremost, there are questions we should ask ourselves:
What is the purpose behind the technology used in manufacturing?
How can companies fulfil the demand?
To these days, some processes still completed manually can be very repetitive, harsh, or even dangerous. Some employees are mentally and physically challenged every day. For instance, they might have to manipulate heavy equipment, or find themselves in an extreme environment (heat, chemicals, etc.). In those cases, intelligent robots could assist human beings during manoeuvres, or even take over when a demanding task needs to be done.
Moreover, the demand quickly changes all the time, and that all over the world. As a consequence, manufacturers need to mass-produce at a fast pace, while constantly adapting to changing trends. All in all, there is so much that human beings can manage until pushed to a nervous breakdown. Surely, high end automation systems allow firms to stay competitive, while hiring labour for more manageable assignments.
Secondly, we should realise not everyone has the same level of education and expertise. Every so often, the issue in robotics is the high skills required to operate machines. But what if artificial intelligence allows, no matter the employee, to easily use advanced technologies? This is indeed the path many companies seek, as their staff then becomes more versatile, leading to an increase in productivity.
What’s next?
We believe the industry is only at the beginning of its 4th revolution. Until now, robotics solutions have helped companies to be more productive and accomplish things never thought before. Nonetheless, many constraints can still be perceived due to the lack of flexibility and autonomy of the robots.
Artificial intelligence is already proving to bring more efficiency in various fields, including in manufacturing. Thanks to such high technologies, some of the current jobs that need important skills in robotics will be at everyone’s reach. Additionally, strenuous jobs will be attributed to robots, while new jobs will be created, fitting more humans’ capabilities. The only barrier between us and this evolution are our creativity and ability to adapt to the changes.
