Robotics in the Workplace

In the years since the first robot was patented in 1961, robots and robotic systems have proliferated through many sectors of the economy including manufacturing, logistical support, medical technology, law enforcement, and military applications. Advances in digital technologies, as well as development of core technologies in camera systems, communication systems, sensors, and displays, are changing the capabilities and possible applications of robotics across industries. Robots have the potential to improve quality of life by performing tasks that are fatiguing, infeasible, or dangerous for humans to perform. As robots gains broader applications, there are concerns about potential unintended consequences such as safety, health, and fairness issues for workers. Robots present new challenges and new opportunities for occupational safety and health professionals. This chapter examines the potential hazards and risk‐reduction benefits of using modern robots in the workplace.