HUMANOID robots are robots that are designed to resemble humans in terms of appearance and movement. They are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) that allows them to interact with humans and perform complex tasks. Since the past few decades, this technology has developed rapidly and is now increasingly used in various industrial sectors.
The history of humanoid robots begins in the early 20th century with the creation of basic mechanical robots. However, real development began in the 1970s with the introduction of robots such as WABOT-1 in Japan, which was the first humanoid robot capable of walking and interacting with the environment.
Since then, various research companies and institutions around the world have developed increasingly sophisticated humanoid robots, such as ASIMO by Honda and Atlas by Boston Dynamics. For example, ASIMO is able to walk, run and climb stairs, while Atlas is famous for its ability to perform acrobatics and tasks that require a high level of balance.
In the workplace, humanoid robots are used for a variety of purposes. They may perform tasks that are repetitive and require high precision, such as installing components in the manufacturing industry. Additionally, they are also used in the service sector to interact with customers, provide information, and assist in logistics tasks. For example, the Pepper robot by SoftBank is used in stores to greet customers and provide product information. Their ability to work non-stop and reduce human error makes them a valuable asset in increasing productivity and efficiency.
The use of humanoid robots in organizations has a deep impact on human resource management. In the long term, the presence of robots may lead to major changes in the structure of the workforce. Humanoid robots are able to take over routine and repetitive tasks, which can reduce the need for human workers in those roles. This may lead to job cuts in certain sectors, especially those involving manual tasks. For example, in the manufacturing industry, humanoid robots may replace workers in repetitive installation tasks.
With the increasing use of robots, there is an increasingly pressing need for workers who have proficiency in technology and robot management. This requires an ongoing program of training and skill building to ensure workers can adapt to changing technology. The presence of humanoid robots can change the dynamics of the workplace, where humans and robots need to work together in harmony. This requires a change in organizational culture and management approach to ensure seamless integration between humans and robots.
The use of humanoid robots also raises ethical and social issues, such as concerns about privacy, job safety, and the psychological impact on human workers. Organizations need to handle these issues carefully to ensure the use of this technology does not harm worker well-being. For example, there is concern that the presence of humanoid robots in the workplace may cause stress and anxiety among human workers regarding the safety of their jobs.
Humanoid robot technology brings various benefits to organizations in terms of increased productivity and efficiency. However, it also raises challenges that need to be overcome, especially in managing human resources. With the right approach, organizations can leverage this technology to achieve long-term success while ensuring employee well-being is maintained.
By:
Prof. Madya Dr. Khairunneezam Mohd Noor, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
Dr Nurul Fadly Habidin, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Management and Economics, Sultan Idris Education University.
Dr Mad Ithnin Salleh, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Management and Economics, Sultan Idris Education University.
