The Real Challenge in Robotic Systems

Abstract

Robotic systems are machines, and as machines they have sufficient power to do enormous amounts of work. This same power, even under the most highly computer-controlled conditions can, unexpectedly inflict injury upon the human worker. There isn't a robot in existence today that will infallably shake your hand without at least a remote urge to crush your fingers.

The best selection and training process will never fully protect the operators and maintenance workers who must give constant attention to these robotic systems. Robotic systems in extremely hot, hazardous, or hostile environments are even more lethal to the human interventioner who is pre-occuppied with his own personal safety from the ambient area.

We've got to remember, too, that we're approaching the workers with something entirely new! Their perception of what robots will do for them…and to them is at best very limited. Until full knowledge is acquired about all of the many new and complex robotic systems, and good understanding come into focus for them, then this new technology poses problems. Involvement and encouragement of the human workers in the earliest processes will promote a positive acceptance.

The two important premises of this critical paper are drawn from over twenty years of on-the-floor experience addressing these all-important issues. The first factor is total involvement of all human workers in the planning, selection, and implementation cycle. The second, and more important, is the concern for the safety of the human workers in this interactive arena with high technology robotic systems.

This challenge can be more than adequately met. Awareness and fore-sighted engineering by the Human Factors scientist and practitioner in dealing with this, as yet, unpredictable technology will produce a workplace environment which the worker will perceive as safe, as well as desirable. The social implications are staggering!