Advantages And Disadvantages Of Machine Automation

Machine automation is described as innovative technology that enables machines to work automatically according to some parameters. The machine automation has become an essential part of many industries, and a key player in the manufacturing processes. The role of the automated machines in the manufacturing processes is to reduce the human intervention as much as possible, from sorting raw materials to producing a finished product. This new technology provides a lot of advantages, but it also has its drawbacks. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of machine automation.

The most obvious advantages of machine automation are: higher production rates, increased product quality, increased productivity, improved safety, and more efficient material use. Since it guarantee increased productivity and higher output, machine automation has become a standard technology in many industry sectors. Despite the fact that human intervention is still needed to some extent, the automated machines are cost-efficient and more productive than the human workers. These machines always work in the same manner and never get tired, which results in greater control and consistency of the product quality.

Worker safety is an important factor in all industry operations. But maximum safety is not possible if workers are supposed to do all tasks in the facility, exposing themselves to all kinds of threats. The automated machines promote maximum safety for all workers since the human intervention is significantly reduced.

Another great benefit of the machine automation are the reduced working hours. About 20 years ago, the factory workers worked 70 hours per week. This is no longer the case. Most workers today work around 40 hours per week. This is all a result of the introduction of the modern automation and mechanization.

Even though machine automation offers many advantages, there are some drawbacks. The main disadvantage of the automated machines is the fact that they replace human workers. The automated machines will displace, not replace the workers in near future – that’s a sure thing, according to many researches. The workers who will lose their jobs will need to start all over again, looking for another job. In most cases, the workers who will be replaced by machines will undergo a period of emotional stress. When looking for a new job, workers might need to change their geographic location, which will increase the emotional stress even more. Other disadvantages are: high investment and maintenance costs, and lower degree of flexibility.