A3 President Jeff Burnstein & Aaron Prather of ASTMIntl | The Future Of Human-Robot Integration

Jeff Burnstein, President of Association for Advancing Automation, and Aaron Prather, Director of Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program at ASTM International, join Jeff Dance to discuss the future of human-robot integration. They cover topics such as job displacement fears, the importance of standards and safety, the potential for meaningful work in the future, and the exciting potential of robotics and AI in various industries and their integration with humans. Plus, we hear insights from Zeeshan Zia, CEO at Retrocausal and Jeff Soesbe, Senior Software Engineer, Robotics at Fresh Consulting.

They Cover:
[05:02] - The integration of humans and robots extends beyond physical integration, encompassing biohacking and shared spaces. Previously confined behind fences, robots are now seamlessly integrated into our lives, becoming essential tools for daily tasks. Wearable robots, like exoskeletons, are emerging, attaching to the human body and raising questions about their impact on humans. The line between humans and robots blurs further with concepts like the Dr. Octopus suits, showcasing the significant overlap between these two realms.

[13:24] - The initial fear that robots would eliminate jobs in the US automotive industry did result in significant job losses when the robot industry faced a downturn. However, the real threat to jobs arises when companies can't compete, putting all jobs at risk. In the past two decades, we witnessed a substantial shift of US jobs to Asia due to the pursuit of cheap labor. Ironically, China, now the world's largest robotics user, relies on robots to maintain its manufacturing dominance. This strategic focus on robotics allows them to excel in quality, delivery speed, and productivity. Despite concerns about replacing jobs, history has shown that technologies enhance productivity, create new jobs, and offer better pay and safety.

[29:15] - Service robots have garnered significant attention recently, as they hold immense potential to assist us with various tasks, including elder care. We are gradually advancing in this field. The logistics industry has already showcased the effectiveness of mobile robots on a large scale. The deployment of autonomous mobile robots in warehouses and factories has demonstrated their versatility in diverse settings. Hospitals now employ robots to transport supplies from storage areas to nurses, enabling them to stay close to their patients. Likewise, in restaurants, waiter robots efficiently deliver food to tables, allowing human staff to focus on other aspects of service and ensuring a seamless dining experience.

If you're interested in the future collaborative robots, tune into this episode of "The Future Of", a Podcast by Fresh Consulting.

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About the Show

“The Future Of”, is a podcast by Fresh Consulting & hosted by Jeff Dance, where we discuss and learn about the future of different industries, markets, and technology verticals. Together we’ll chat with leaders and experts in the field and discuss how we can shape the future human experience.

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WHO WE ARE:

Fresh Consulting is a strategy, design, software, and hardware innovation company that offers end-to-end services with integrated teams. We design and build strategies, brands, products, robotics, systems, and apps to help you stay fresh. Whether your plan is to stay ahead or your need is to stay relevant, our multifaceted teams quickly integrate with yours to help you transform and create the future, together. From understanding where you are now, to guiding you where you want to be, we'll provide the engine to help you build, grow, and lead.

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