To date, most robots have been undertaking repetitive tasks, having been programmed to precisely replay the process of picking and placing components, or painting the body of a car. Such tasks take their toll on humans, either through fatigue, poor posture whilst working, or the potential for respiratory harm. Robots can perform such tasks without breaks and with utmost accuracy, leading to higher quantities and a higher quality of finished goods.

However, with the addition of more feeling, for example through force-torque sensors, robots can now tackle tasks that require an element of ‘human touch’. For example, robots are able to handle grinding and polishing of non-uniform objects, a task that a skilled operator would previously have undertaken. In such situations, there is definitely some cause for concern that a human role will be replaced.

In some cases, robots will be able to work alongside us, complementing us in tasks that are generally not mentally demanding, or that are too dangerous for humans to tackle. Engineers at Ocado Technology are developing a collaborative robot, named SecondHands, designed to support a human technician with repairs. The goal is to ensure the robot is proactive in its support and aware of its surroundings, making it a competent partner in the activity being undertaken. Working in a logistics centre, the robot will also be able to safely undertake visual assessments of equipment that is still operating, something that would be too high risk for a human.