“A Robot Can Be Warehouse Worker’s Pal” by Jennifer Smith Presentation

Article Summary

• The author indicates that the manner in which different roles are completed on the warehouse floor has changed significantly within the past decade.
• Emerging firms have managed to create modern technologies and robots that are capable of working alongside human beings.
• It should be observed that the technology is not intended to replace manpower completely.
• Companies such as RK Logistics Group, 6 River Systems Inc., and Duetsche Post AG’s DHL have benefited from this technology.
• The use of swarming robots makes it easier for workers to identify and transport a wide range of goods and materials across a warehouse.
• The strategy has been observed to streamline and support various logistical activities.
• The unique benefits of this emerging technology are presented in the article.
  • For instance, collaborative robots tend to be small. This means that they can function effectively in different warehouses.
  • They are cheap in comparison to automated systems and conveyor belts that consume a lot of warehouse space.
• Employees working alongside these robots are guided adequately. This method makes it possible for companies to achieve their objectives in a timely manner.
• The technology is capable of addressing the unique challenges caused by modern developments such as online marketing, customer demands, and changing labor markets.
• The author of the article shows that such aspects continue to make it hard for firms to fill various warehouse jobs.
• According to Smith, warehouses characterized by small spaces might not be filled with more people.
• Robots are smaller and capable of completing a wide range of roles.
• Different robots working side by side with employees can complete complex duties and eventually deliver positive results.

Course Relation

• The ideas and concepts presented in this article support the ones discussed in class. The ultimate goal of business organizations is to maximize profits. The concepts outlined below can be linked with the attributes identified in the article.
• Management theories:
  • Organizational theories focus on the best initiatives to improve performance. This can be achieved through the use of a friendly working environment. The approach fosters employee empowerment and eventually results in profits.
  • The article reveals that the use of robots can result in both profit maximization and employee empowerment.
  • This information appears to echo the ideas discussed in class.
  • Robots can support the performance of employees in different warehouses.
  • The practice is associated with efficiency in different operations.
  • When these robots work together with different people, tasks are completed efficiently and in a timely manner.
  • This achievement will eventually result in improved performance and realization of various organizational intentions.
• The course explores a wide range of approaches that are considered to create value in organizations.
  • Value creation is a wide concept that seeks to improve performance through the application of evidence-based practices.
  • Companies that succeed in this area will deliver high-quality products or services to their respective customers.
  • The firms analyzed in the article such as Duetsche Post AG’s DHL have benefited significantly from the use of collaborative robots.
  • They have addressed existing challenges and created value in different logistical operations.
  • The use of robots emerges as a value creation strategy for many companies.
• Roles and responsibilities of management:
  • The class discussions have identified specific roles of managers and leaders. They should support the needs of their followers, create friendly working environments, implement new changes, and adopt systems capable of improving performance.
  • The article offers meaningful insights that resonance with the functions and responsibilities of management. Robotic technology emerges as a superior change capable of driving organizational performance.

Critical Analysis

• If collaborative robots have the potential to transform the experiences and performance of workers, managers should embrace the power of the technology to improve their respective working environments.
• The most important goal of every firm should be to realize its aims without jeopardizing the welfare of its stakeholders.
• Collaborative robots, as described in this article, are not intended to promote layoffs or retrenchments.
• Companies can realize their potential if they considered the ideas obtained from the article.
• Consequently, such firms will remain relevant in their respective sectors or industries.
• Firms operating in different sectors can embrace the use of robots since they are cheaper to acquire and maintain.
• They also improve the manner in which a wide range of activities are completed.
• The process creates value in different supply chains, thereby making it easier for more firms to deliver high-quality products to their customers.
• The approach results in business profitability.
• Players in this promising field should consider the benefits that might be realized from the adoption of robots to complete various tasks.
• Since many warehouses have recorded positive results due to the use of this technology, different industries or organizational departments should pursue similar ambitions.
• The initiative will make it easier for more companies to achieve their objectives.
• Research and development (R&D) should be pursued in order to ensure cheaper and more efficient robots are available to different organizations.
• In conclusion, managers who focus on these changes will be in a position to achieve their goals.

Food for thought: Can you imagine the major achievements that could be realized if more companies embraced the power of collaborative robots?