Advantages and Disadvantages of Industrial Automation

In recent years, many industries have turned increasingly to automation in the manufacturing process. There are both advantages and disadvantages of industrial automation.

Advantages of automation

There are many readily apparent advantages to industrial automation. Robots can create higher quality products than humans. The operation is performed with high precision time and time again yielding higher consistency. Also, a robot can perform the same task 24 hours a day without boredom. Robots increase workplace safety because human workers are placed in supervisory roles instead of dangerous manufacturing situations. Finally, robots can lead to savings. The exactness of a robot creates less waste. Furthermore, increased safety leads to savings because insurance premiums are lowered.

Disadvantages of automation

One major disadvantage of automation is the initial cost of robots. Not only do new robots cost a lot to fabricate, they also must receive maintenance to ensure they remain in working order. Additional costs are assumed when employees must attend training programs on how to use, interact with and maintain the new equipment. These courses take both time and money. The costs incurred can mean that companies see a poor return on investment. Sometimes, a company believes automation can cure all its ills and it flounders managerially. Also, the introduction of robots into the work environment can create new, unforeseen safety risks.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to industrial automation. In the end, it is up to each individual company to decide what mixture of robots and human works are best for its particular business model and needs.