Are Robots the Answer to Staff Shortages?

After a global pandemic, major brands and retailers are slowly recovering. No sector has escaped the crisis unscathed, and both stores and supply chains have been tested by issues ranging from ill staff to shipping delays. But chief among these problems has been a shortage of personnel across the industry. Ninety percent of U.S. commerce leaders have reported that labor shortages are hampering economic growth in their localities. 

In response to this labor supply problem, various technological solutions have found their way into logistics facilities to make up the shortfall. One such solution has been a jump in the number of robots deployed across supply chains worldwide — specifically, autonomous cleaning machines. Owing to a demand for thorough and precise cleaning, in an under-staffed sector, robots have arrived to plug a sudden gap. 

[Related: Levi’s Works Smarter With Automation Bots, Shrinks Manual Workload]

Issues experienced within supply chains over the last two years have changed attitudes toward automation; robots once threatened the workforce but are now viewed by an increasing number as a way to augment human teams and keep them safe.

The Problem

Labor shortages mean that existing staff become easily overwhelmed, as quotas and demands have surged in the aftermath of COVID. Panic-driven over-ordering places additional burdens on the consumer goods sector. In this context, conversations about work have focused on the hardship and overwork faced by employees. 

Against this backdrop, robots can be seen as productivity partners, helping workers get beleaguered supply chains back on track. Labor shortages have become an increasingly significant issue, but also provide the impetus to solve long-standing issues. As companies make their way through an uncertain period, sustainable solutions become critical in assuring both their short-term and long-term viability.

It is important to remember that labor shortages are prevalent in almost every industry. The demand for employees across domains is at a record high, and industries that greet automation stand a fighting chance of successfully managing the labor gap. 

A Robotic Solution

Modern AI-powered robots are designed to support humans first and foremost. Owing to their facility to perform tasks as dependable assistants, robots enable staff to work more efficiently while also successfully managing hazardous environments. 

Crucially, however, human workers still play an essential role: they are now charged with the more specialized task of training and maintaining machines. Brain Corp’s autonomous cleaning robots, for example, need a human user to “teach” the machine its cleaning route.

Human workers are also needed in the uncommon event of a machine encountering an obstacle which it cannot find its way around. Owing to new and improved user interfaces, the setting up and training of machines is easily fulfilled by non-technical staff, who can conveniently activate robots without the need for additional infrastructure requirements or extensive training. 

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