Did you know: 6 thoughts about robotics
If you are searching for a thermoforming partner who can help you navigate the future of one of the most unique and fast-growing industries and you're not entirely sure how to get started or upgrade your current technology using robotics, BMG can be an excellent partner to help you on the path to success.
1. Robotics in manufacturing is over 60 years old.
Yep, that's right, way back in the early hours of 1961, the use of robotics in manufacturing went from the engineering design table to practical application when General Motors instituted its usage in a few of its automotive assembly lines as a test to see if it would impact its productivity in the positive. And today, as we roll into 2025, there are currently millions of robotic solutions employed by manufacturers worldwide to streamline complex production processes and quantitatively improve the overall safety of present day manufacturing processes in several verticals.
2. Wait a minute, the Greeks invented robotics.
If we look into the foundational roots of where robotics began its modern day life, we need to look no further than ancient Greece. The philosopher Plato's robotic alarm clock used a hydraulic system of ceramic jugs filled with water to 'ring' with a chirping sound at a desired time. Modern day robotics were the foundation of the automatic servant of Philon, A humanoid figure dressed as a maid that held a jug in its right hand and, as hidden gears clicked and whirred, lifts it and pours wine into a cup a bystander has placed into the palm of its left hand, operating through a complex mechanism of springs, weights and air pressure that also allowed it to dilute the alcohol with water.
3. Reduce the cost of modern-day manpower.
Well, whether it was GM or Plato, let's talk about its practical impact on manpower, HR overhead, and the time differentiators for production when it comes to utilizing robotic automation in any process. Quite honestly, the ROI is realized sooner than expected and eliminates many associated overhead costs when considering the management of human laborers. When comparing the costs of human workers to robotics, while human labor often has lower upfront costs, robots can be significantly cheaper in the long run due to their ability to work continuously without breaks, needing fewer benefits, and performing repetitive tasks with high efficiency
4. Robotics sneaks into the equation.
As the timeline moved along to modern day applications, it became relevant to manufacturers that robotic automation could significantly increase productivity by allowing machines to work tirelessly 24/7/365, and no sick days or paid vacations. Well, there is an occasional refurbishment and a grease job. At first robotics was doing a lot of heavy lifting. The first production of robotic capabilities came from George Devol in the 1950s, when he developed an industrial robotic system that could be used to lift heavy objects and move them from point A to point B.
5. The what, where, when, and why of it all.
Complex mass-produced consumables and repeatable functionality have found a great new friend in robotic automation. Verticals such as healthcare, finance, customer service, construction, and even aerospace have all felt the impact of this autonomous technology. Just looking at healthcare as a diverse example, the use of robots has shown to be a promising area that can act as a driver to increase the capacity to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. In healthcare, like most other fields, robots are currently engaged in tasks such as patient monitoring and evaluation, delivery of medical supplies, prescription fulfillment, and performing diagnostics and surgery.
6. Robotics or humans, hmmm?
A new era begins — one that is defined by the rapid advancement of AI and its integration into nearly every facet of work and life. As we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we must thoughtfully consider how to leverage these emerging technologies best to create a brighter future for all. There will always be a certain level of human interaction as this automation still requires a human's intuitive nature to provide the meaningful coefficient of reasoning that allows AI to make its best contributions. A core question underpins this societal transition, in areas where machines surpass human capabilities, should we continue utilizing a ‘human in the loop’ approach or fully embrace the rise of machines? When we examine this debate across the dimensions of efficiency, speed, cost, safety, and scalability, a compelling case emerges for replacing human labor with advanced AI systems wherever they excel.
Careful what you wish for!