Robotics
The first industrial robot punched the clock in 1962.
Technological advancements have steadily widened robotics’ workforce
representation since, and in the coming years, robots will continue moving from
factories to First Street to perform rudimentary tasks such as cleaning and
delivery.
Such advancements have kept the Luddite fires burning
for more than a century now, so one challenge faced by organization leaders
will be reassuring their teams that the robots aren’t here to replace them. In
fact, as more people move into soft-skilled, human-focused jobs, they’ll likely
find the transition a beneficial one.
“Introducing robots into a workplace can be a complex
and dynamic undertaking. While it may start with workers feeling like their
jobs are being threatened, the end result is a warehouse full of happier,
healthier humans who remain the centrepiece of a competitive business,” writes
Melonee Wise, CEO of Fetch Robotics, for the World Economic Forum.