A look at Robotics in Manufacturing

In the plant, all the processes are operated by computer- controlled robots, computer numerical control machining equipment, unmanned transport trucks and automated warehouse equipment. 

The technical staff just sits at the computer and monitors through a central control system. 

At the workshop of Changying Precision Technology Company in Dongguan, known as the "world factory", which manufactures cell phone modules, 60 robot arms at 10 production lines polish the modules day an .. 

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Like 3D Printing Robotics looks set to revolutionise manufacturing. The Australian shipbuilding and wider defence industry has the chance to adopt the emerging technology. Briefly in this article I will outline some of the advantages offered by improvements in Robotics field. I will also offer the reader a look at matter from the stand point of those who set to be the most affected. This does represent a break in convention from the normal tone of my articles. By doing so I can avoid covering the same ground I covered in my article on 3D Printing.

I feel that some of the upsides of the use of Robotics in the defence industries may have been overlooked. During wartimes factories , shipyards and industrial plants are targets for strategic bombing. Partial or complete production lines could continue while they are under fire without risking fewer or no people's lives.

This would allow important industrial plants to be on going under combat conditions. In the event that the facilities are damaged or destroyed by enemy action the combination of Robotics and 3D Printing would see new machinery assembled and installed in a fast manner.

Note the reader: In terms of strategic bombing destroying the industrial tooling (enter name and kind facility here) is the goal of a air strike. So if the machinery/tooling at a tire factory is knocked it doesn't matter if the roof is standing or not.

Safety in the work place isn't a concern for robots. Either is working conditions or pay. Who ever heard of a Robot making a ACC claim? Now I come to point of dealing with the arguments for and against the increased use of Robotics in civilian and defence industries. The adaptation of 3D Printing and Robotics would inevitable lead to job losses. Technological evolution results in greater levels of automation and reduced labour overheads

I am unashamedly in favour retooling the Australian Defence Industry with 3D Printing and Robotics. So it's only fair that I present that stand point of those who seek to protect the jobs and working conditions of existing workers who stand to be effected. A former Union employee kindly offered the following (their comments appear in italics) :

The Unions will "want to maintain or increase the standard of living of all workers despite their loss of position. To ensure this, unions most likely will call for an increase in low-level positions in the company doing other things or for an increase to company / high income taxation to ensure a redistribution of welfare from the 'haves' to the 'have nots' "
And

"Unions number one focus is to ensure a fair standard of living for all citizens in the country through providing a life style that encourages personal growth and interest in bettering themselves." - former Union employee

Thinking about the issue I was reminded about some of the conversations that I overheard in the early 1990's. At that time the internet wasn't really around yet and I was a young child. People would still comment here and there about how PC's were now doing the jobs that use to be done by people.

Nobody was talking about the newer jobs that had first appeared along with the emergence of the PC industry. The job role of PC repair technician had emerged in the early 1980's. When somebodies workstation or home PC was in need of repair a new breed of Geeks would work their wizardry. I believe that once 3D Printing and Robotics become mainstays similar jobs will appear in those fields. How long will it be before CompTia offers a certifications for people work around Robots and 3D Printers?