Can\'t hire staff? Buy a robot instead.

14.09.2022

The U.S. is in the middle of a labor crisis. According to the Labor Department, since early 2020, the workforce has shrunk by about 600,000. The solution? Robotics.

It's no secret that the U.S. is in the middle of a labor crisis. According to the Labor Department, since early 2020, the workforce has shrunk by about 600,000. This lack of workers means only one thing. Wages are rising.

As employers vie to attract staff, businesses have been forced to compete against each other and increase their remuneration packages. A recent Labor Department report states that "average hourly earnings grew 5.2% in July from a year earlier, and annual wage gains have exceeded 5% each month this year." For business owners, having unfilled positions reduces their efficiency and forces their existing workforce to pick up the slack. This, coupled with wage hikes, makes sustaining a viable business challenging.

To address this ever-increasing crisis, there is one glimmer of hope. Robotics.

Robotics manufacturer Flexiv built the world's first 'adaptable robot' in 2019. Created to automate dull, repetitive, or just downright dangerous jobs, Flexiv specializes in making robots that combine cutting-edge artificial intelligence with computer vision and industry-grade force feedback.

"We created our robots to be incredibly versatile." Said Xuesen Li, Flexiv’s Director of Product Design.  "They can accomplish many tasks, from simple loading and unloading to complex polishing and sanding applications. Our Rizon range of robots is capable of practically any type of unskilled labor."

The Rizon robot is a robotic arm with seven degrees of freedom capable of 'sensing' 0.03 newtons. To put that in perspective, that's about the weight of three potato chips or a single penny. This makes the robot ideal for precise assembly tasks like installing electronic components or more abstract applications like picking up an egg and cracking it into a bowl.

"A Rizon robot can do practically any task, thanks to it being able to see with computer vision and sense with force feedback. We could make it sand a car door one day, and the next program it to make you an omelet. A good way to think about its capabilities is to think of it as a literal arm. If you can do it with your arm, the chances are we can do it with Rizon."

With a universal tool arm end, Rizon can be fitted with various grippers, screwdrivers, sanders, and vacuum cups, making it suitable for multiple tasks. If a customer has an application Flexiv hasn't encountered before, Flexiv's integration team can work with them to create a custom installation.

Another benefit to employers is the return-on-investment potential. According to data from the Association for Advancing Automation, an average robotic installation consisting of two robots over 15 years will reach a breakeven point after just one year and four months. After 15 years, it will amass a labor saving of $2,801,535 and $756,414 in productivity savings.

Although a decrease in the workforce will undoubtedly pose a challenge to many companies, the future looks promising for those who adapt to take advantage of robotics.

Source and photos: Flexiv

If you would like to learn more about Flexiv, please visit: www.flexiv.com.