Manual Tasks Can Be Replaced by Robots, but With Supervision

AI and robots are massively progressing in their capabilities and skills. Many companies are now looking to replace humans with robots for labor. This raises the question: should robots replace humans in manual tasks, or should we leave these tasks to humans? This is being tested by Japan Airlines (JAL), which is introducing robots into its workforce as baggage handlers. Robots should replace humans in some manual tasks, but they still need to be monitored when used.

Japan Airlines has announced that it will deploy robots to work at Haneda Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. The trial period will start at the beginning of May, and it will end in 2028. The robots are serving as baggage handlers, and Japan Airlines is planning to use them for other tasks if this trial period goes well. These robots don’t require breaks and only need recharges from time to time, which can make them a better alternative to increase efficiency in these tasks.

There are many other benefits besides efficiency when using robots to perform manual tasks. Due to their consistent precision, robots make fewer errors. Harvard Business School states, “AI systems rarely achieve 100% accuracy but can approach near-perfect levels, such as 99% in advanced implementations.” Humans, on the other hand, can vary in accuracy depending on the tasks needed. Furthermore, many other factors, such as stress, fatigue, emotions, and even age, can also affect accuracy even when performing simple manual tasks.

Moreover, replacing humans with robots for these simple manual tasks can greatly reduce injury risk. Vigorous tasks such as baggage handling require lots of energy and strength. This increases the risks of overworking and physical injuries. The International Labour Organization states, “Manual handling causes a significant proportion of all workplace injuries. These include work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as pain and injuries to arms, legs and joints, and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts.” Although many measures and techniques can be applied when carrying heavy loads, there is no way to completely prevent injuries and accidents. Replacing these jobs would reduce the burden on workers and create new jobs instead, such as supervising the robots. As robots and AI improve, they are getting better at carrying heavy items, making them efficient compared to humans.

Despite these benefits, many people worry that AI and robots will replace or completely take over human jobs. This is true for manual tasks, but there will be new jobs created as a result of this. Many robots need supervision, as although they perform with precision, malfunctions are still a possibility. Additionally, Yoshiteru Suzuki, a manager at JAL, stated that some tasks, such as safety management, will still be performed by humans. This will not only reduce the burden on employees but it will also boost efficiency.

Although AI and robots have potential, they are still in the testing phase. They will still need to be monitored throughout the trial. More is needed from everyone to make robots reliable. If we want to reduce injury risk and make industries and workplaces more efficient, workers should be required to monitor robots, and cooperation from everyone is needed.

Sources:

https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=66718

https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/occupational-safety-and-health-guide-labour-inspectors-and-other/manual-handling