The Robots are Coming
Robots: are they friends or foes? Science fiction frequently imagines robot technology to be a threat to the human race. In 1984 film ‘The Terminator’, the robots were depicted as unstoppable, powerful and dangerous machines who will ultimately turn on their human creators. Yet the race to develop robot technology is intensifying in the twenty first century as Artificial Intelligence makes huge leaps forward. Cars can offer some level of self-driving capability, as can some cleaning machines. Prototypes of humanoid robot assistants are being rigorously tested. Could C-3P0 bring us a cup of tea and clean the kitchen floor? Maybe not just yet but the robots are definitely coming.
Are we there yet?
The dream of getting into your car, programming your destination and settling back for a nap is still a fantasy. Robots are not capable of driving us safely, yet, and currently we should see this technology as an aid to human driving, not as a replacement for it. However, tech history tells us things change fast. Look back two or three decades and consider the tech developments. Few predicted we would all be walking around with tiny computers in our pockets, able to do numerous tasks online. Did anyone in the 80s imagine we could call someone in Vietnam and see them as they were riding on the back of a motorbike? No.
Planes, trains and automobiles
Tesla advertises its automation systems with the careful warning: ‘Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability are intended for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. The currently enabled features do not make the vehicle autonomous.’ Some luxury car brands offer a self-parking facility, for example the Parktronic feature by Mercedes-Benz, which handles manoeuvres like parallel parking. Now that’s what I call progress!
Surprisingly, driverless trains have been in operation on the Docklands Light Railway since it opened in London in 1987, although a train attendant is always present. China, of course, has developed driverless trains on some of its metro systems. Just thinking about driverless airplanes inspires pure terror, although the autopilot function is well established. As anyone who has left a conversation with a ‘helpful’ chatbot, in frustration, will know, robots are the future, whether we like it or not.
Robots don’t need a tea break
The huge advantage of robot workers over humans is that they don’t need a break and can simply work for as long as their power supply lasts. They don’t get ill or ask for a pay rise. This makes many people deeply concerned that they will lose their jobs. But you can’t halt progress. New jobs will arise as robot technology often needs human intervention. A person can oversee multiple robot automated devices, thus increasing efficiency.
Welcome to the future in industrial cleaning
Adiatek are proud to present the R-Quartz, a ride-on scrubber drier machine which has two modes of working, with or without an operator. The R-Quartz will learn a route, initially run with an operator, and will clean within the perimeter of a specific area, autonomously, for repeat cleaning. Its 3D camera and sensors allow R-Quartz to run completely safely and avoid obstacles, even unexpected ones and it will completely stop when it reaches walls or barriers. The innovative technology will take your cleaning operations to the next level. You can see our full range of Adiatek products here.
It’s available through Lincoln Cleaning Technology, your partners in floor cleaning services.
Contact our friendly and expert non-robotic team today to find out how we can help your company stay clean and safe.
