What the media does not explain about “robots”.

There is a current trend in the media to treat automation and robotics as a looming threat to workers including engineers, scientists and technicians. Article titles like: Rise of the Machines: Factory jobs lost to robots. OK, I get it about making the news sensational, it sells. But as usual, it’s what they leave out that I find interesting.

Historically, first came the hand held wrench, then the human operated pneumatic wrench then finally the robotic operated pneumatic/electric/hydraulic wrench. Think of Robots as essentially advanced tools. Also keep in mind:

Robots are designed by engineers, scientists and technicians.

Robots must be sold by sales personnel.

Robots require raw materials that must be produced including electric motors, air and hydraulic cylinders and electronic controls.

Robots must be assembled, tested and shipped.

Robots must be powered by compressed air, hydraulic fluid and electricity, all of which must be produced.

Robots must by programmed to operate.

Robots must be repaired when they fail and they will.

Automobiles replaced the horse and wagon, but we still have horses and wagons.

Your thoughts?

Further on Transitioning

Your first thought as you begin your working career may be that your contribution is minor and doesn’t matter?  You might even ask yourself: “I went to college for this?” During my first job as a designer at Hamilton Standard Division of United Technology Inc. I thought my contribution was rather insignificant compared to the overall production of the Boeing 747 aircraft. Then I realized that if I had not designed the 747 “three wheel machine” rotating shaft assembly, the plane would not have had an Environmental Control System (air conditioning system) and therefore be unable to fly. You may be a small part in a large team but the team success depends greatly on your individual contribution.