9. Implications

Economic Implications

Initial Costs

It is very very expensive to set up an automated system (High Initial Cost). You need to pay for:

• Stationary robots
• Mobile robots
• Guidance systems for the mobile robots
• Sensors, software
• Computer systems
• Installation of cables, etc.

Companies like Linn Systems and organisations such as Torness Power station have all invested millions of pounds in their automated systems.

 

Why Spend so much money on Automated Systems?

Automated systems make businesses run efficiently and, in the long term, save money.

Linn Systems depend on their automated systems to maintain a high rate of production (produce more in less time) and to produce electronic goods of the highest quality. The automated assembly line guarantees precision and produces high-quality circuit boards much faster than any manual system could.

 

Automated systems are safer

Automated systems can operate in environments that would be very dangerous to humans:

Torness power station relies on automated systems to ensure that power is produced efficiently and, above all, safely.

 

 

Replacement Costs?

After a few years automated systems become less efficient, because:

• Machines break down.
• Their speed of operation is slower than the competition
• They are not as accurate as the competition

If this happens, new automated systems will have to be installed.

This is known as replacement costs.

 

Maintenance Costs?

Costs of keeping systems running! Click to Go Larger Screen

Automated Systems need constant maintenance and servicing, with parts being replaced as they get worn out

The cost of parts and the wages of engineers all form part of maintenance costs.

 

 

 

 

 

Social Implications

Automated systems affects people in different ways:

Retraining

Behold the All Powerful Robot! Click to Go Larger Screen

Some workers will lose their jobs because computers can do it quicker and cheaper. Some people will be retrained to do other jobs , for example trained to:-

• using the controlling software
• maintaining the robots and the robot arms
• supplying the robot arms with parts
• working safely alongside the mobile robots.

This means that the skills people have will also have to change to reflect the Change in the nature of people's jobs

 

 

 

 

More Leisure Time?

Some people thought that with the boring, repetitive and dangerous jobs being done by automated systems people would have more leisure time.

But it hasn't always worked out. People now seem to have to work harder than ever before in order to keep up with automated systems.

 

 

 

 

What you have to do!

Either in a new Word Document or in your Brain. Under a sub heading Implications complete the following tasks after watching each of the videos above:

1. Explain why companies invest in automated systems despite the high cost.
2. Explain the difference between:
   1. Initial cost
   2. Replacement cost
   3. Maintenance cost.
3. Give some examples of jobs that have been lost as a result of automated systems.
4. Give some examples of jobs have been created as a result of automated systems.
5. Say why robots will not take over the world.
    

 

 

What you should now be able to do!

• Explain what is meant by the term 'Initial Costs'.

• Say why its worth investing in automated systems despite the cost.

• Explain the difference between 'Replacement Costs' and' Maintenance Costs'.

• Explain what jobs have been 'lost' and what new jobs have been created as a result of automated systems.

.

 

Continue to Summary and Revision