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Humans Will Not be Replaced by Robots

This past June at the Automate Show in Detroit there were many interesting, impressive, even remarkable demonstrations of how far robots have come to automate manufacturing plants and distribution centers. That said, it remains clear that exacting and precise  manipulation will not be possible with robots for a long time and human cognitive intelligence is still required. 

Perhaps the repetitive motions of fork trucks travelling from a dock to workstation can be easily replicated with Automated Guided Vehicles (of which more than a dozen were on display at the show in Detroit), but the actual nuance of accurate product picking requires both human cognition and picking precision. Based on in-depth data collected over the past three years, we have learned that manual processes still represent seventy percent (70%) of the cost of operating a warehouse.
Humans Will Not be Replaced by Robots
The human being must still do the picking

Since the human being must still do the picking, a paradigm shift to AR solutions represents the only fail-proof methodology to corroborate accurate, immediate, and validated product picking and packing. It has been staggering how billions of dollars in hackneyed technologies, without any AR validation continue to sell with regularity. Even voice picking technology fails to incorporate the much needed AR. 
Best practice product picking technologies reduce the error rate about thirty percent (30%). This is not necessarily because AR Google glasses scan better than other technologies; it is because there is always access to price relevant information on the visual display.

 AR powered Google glasses ensure worker confidence, employee engagement, and job retention, all of which are more important as the hourly wage for warehouse workers, has doubled in the past three years. At these wage levels, the cost of a single mis-pick becomes intolerably unsustainable.

Both young and old warehouse workers appreciate AR powered Google glasses. They have traction among Gen Zers and younger warehouse workers because nearly all of them play video games and are accustomed to wearing some kind of AR headset. When work replicates a fun human experience the process is vastly more appealing to the worker.  It has also been widely reported that older workers appreciate AR Google glasses because it enhances confidence and success in proper picking. These older workers are reliable warehouse and distribution center employees. While workers are productive and happy, the bottom line is directly impacted because inventory levels are accurately updated and reported in real-time.
Humans Will Not be Replaced by Robots
Picking proficiency increases dramatically because incentives for rapid and accurate picking can be sources for bonuses and a warehouse success. These warehouse workers can go down the road and get another job that pays a few dollars more per hour; it is the AR technology that keeps them loyal to a particular employer. Young or old if workers like their AR picking job, they tell their friends. They become a commercial for the next new hire.


People are not going to be replaced by robots. Robots are not going to provide the cognition needed for discernment.  Those choosing antiquated technologies are doing so at their own peril. As more AR savvy warehouse operations managers take over, the market is going to see the shift to newer, better, and breakthrough technologies.
About The Author
Carsten Funke is the CEO of Picavi USA.  He is a Global expert in the field of logistics processes using AR (augmented reality) concepts.

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