Automation Is No Longer Optional — It's Inevitable

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Automation. The word itself recalls images of a time ahead: of flying cars, of Jetsons, of robots designed to serve, and generally futuristic living. Though flying cars have yet to grace the skies, the futuristic living we seek has already arrived.

Automation and automation robotics do harness software and technology to serve the public in various fashions. While it is not completely ubiquitous, the adoption of such technology is seen by many to be inevitable, propelled forward by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although COVID-19 was in many ways a regression, automation began to shine like a silver lining in a world where so much was disrupted. From producers and manufacturers attempting to restore supply chains and companies looking to replace and advance their workforce, automation stepped up to the plate, making both a possibility.

How Automation Has Been Used Under COVID-19

There are several types of automation that are currently utilized for production and productivity. Robotic process automation (RPA) systems are programmed software, typically used in mundane, repetitive tasks and can be used in lieu of office workers who do similar tasks.

During the COVID-19, RPA software was used in institutions like hospitals and banks to expedite lengthy processes and alleviate wait times and also used to process cancellations for airlines, according to WIRED. Takeda used the software when recruiting patients for a potential COVID-19 treatment. Typically, such a process would take weeks or possibly months, but it only took days with RPA software.

Since the beginning of the year, more companies have taken stock of the possibilities of RPA technology, choosing to invest in the software and its development. UiPath, one of the top two firms that create RPA software, reported it added more than 800 clients in the first quarter alone.

IBM recently acquired WDG Automation, a Brazilian tech company whose technology will help IBM clients automate their business practices, and Microsoft similarly invested in RPA firm Softomotive in May, Business Insider reports. But automation’s capability does not end at office work, with an entire slew of potential uses for the technology.

Automation Is Becoming “Mainstream”

In addition to RPA software, the prospects for automation robotics have also been augmented under the COVID-19 pandemic. With companies attempting to mitigate the transmission of the virus while trying to keep the flow of production running smoothly, robotics are being reimagined for manufacturers.

Lux Capitals Venture capitalist Shahin Farshchi indicated Amazon’s purchase of Kiva, now known as Amazon Robotics, eight years ago was a signal, the writing on the wall for more companies to engage in automation and robotics in their own companies.

Experts surmise automation technology will be used in logistics like warehouse operations or shipping of merchandise in the future. Farshchi theorized the industrial supply chain will see the introduction of automation powered by robots and says the practice will reduce labor costs and speed up operations. He points to Amazon’s purchase of one of his startups, Zoox, a self-driving service, as proof.

“Just like how we saw cloud and [software as a service] and mobile go from kind of niche to mainstream, automation is going to go from niche to mainstream,” Farshchi told Business Insider. “Rather than it being a possibility, it’s imminent for a lot of them.”

His words hold credence with so many new players looking to coordinate with automation and automation robotics in the age of COVID-19. Robots were used in China for contactless delivery during the coronavirus pandemic. According to Brink News, Tyson, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Costco are looking into automation solutions regarding meatpacking solutions. GAP and Walmart are also hastening their automation to aid in limiting contact between workers and to increase productivity.

But that’s just the beginning, apparently. Automation is no longer a possible investment, it is now seen as a necessity. Venture capitalist Farshchi hypothesized companies will be looking for solutions that they can integrate easily into their current system.

“I think the technology itself and the way it’s adapted and integrated is something that represents the larger opportunity for the next 10 years.” The investments, so far, are only the advent, Farshchi suggests. “These are representative of the broader automation movement and it has become an inevitability.”

The Future Impact of COVID-19 and Automation

Forrester predicts the onslaught of COVID-19 will advance the use of automation. Economic downturns boost incentive for innovation, ultimately leading to a rise in automation, Brink News reports. With automation, manufacturing will have fewer disruptions and lower job turnovers.

According to one expert, the more essential a service is deemed, the more a turn to automation will be justified within the field. Automation will likely first hit industries that had operational disruptions during the COVID pandemic, Brink News speculates.

Experts also postulate it will make an economic rebound more competitive and will play a pivotal role in the economy going forward. “I haven’t talked to anyone who’s not doing automation as a way to become more competitive, and more resilient,” IDC analyst Maureen Fleming told WIRED.

Between issues of health and safety, speed, and accuracy going forward, the coding is on the computer for automation everywhere for industry. Farshchi himself views it as the obligatory option; for him, it’s not a matter of when, but of who. It’s as he told Business Insider: “Now, it’s just a matter of finding the right partners.”

Image Credit: Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock