Robots to the Rescue: It’s a Tough Job, But Somebody’s Got to Do It

Nicola OByrne

Concerns about robots replacing human jobs are widespread. But aren’t they also saving humans from dangerous and undesirable tasks? Global trends are commanding more automation than ever before, not only in manufacturing but also in new markets and applications. While robots are able to take on more complex tasks, they still don’t match the power of human cognition. They excel at repetitive and non-cognitive tasks and can perform physical work for extended periods. Since they don’t get sick, they’re perfectly suited for healthcare settings where injury or illness are risks. These dangerous and unstimulating tasks free up humans to perform the cognitive tasks they do best.