By Kayla Matthews
Safety first! Pay attention to these six rules when installing and taking care of your robot.
Next-gen robots are taking the manufacturing industry by storm.
Citing growing concerns over their workers’ job security, some manufacturers are embracing cobots – or collaborative robots – as a means of raising productivity while ensuring there will still be jobs for human workers.
Related: Build an In-house Robotics Team, Identify Skills Required
This is a great idea, but there are some common hazards. Here are six some fundamental rules to follow when introducing AI-driven robots in the workplace:
1. Regulate Self-learning Robots
Self-learning robots are a significant step forward in robotic technology. Instead of being limited by their initial programming, next-gen robots are capable of observing their environments, monitoring the activities of others, and even learning new, more efficient ways to complete tasks.
This has the potential to create a whole generation of self-aware, self-learning robots; but there are some hazards to consider, too.
How will programmers and manufacturers regulate the robot’s ability to learn? How will the robot know when it’s learned enough – and how far does its curiosity go?
Questions like these must be answered before robots go mainstream.
2. Examine Mechanical Parts for Wear and Tear
Mechanical failures represent a significant portion of robotics hazards in the workplace. As such, it’s important that all robots are regularly inspected for signs of damage.
It’s not enough to examine the robot’s outward appearance. To properly diagnose any potential issues, inspectors need to get inside the machine and examine the mechanical parts that make the device tick. Any problems here must be addressed immediately and before production resumes.
3. Inspect Electronic Components for Authenticity
Like almost everything of value, electronic components are sometimes faked. Considering that many robots originate overseas, where vendors and suppliers aren’t always verifiable, it’s all too easy to fall victim to such a scam.