Movies have often portrayed robots as evil, oppressive, brainwashing machines that are destined to end humanity and start a new age of life. Take a look at the Terminator by James Cameron: the main idea was to illustrate robots essentially leading a human genocide. 

However, it is important that we distinguish reality from fantasy and acknowledge the true benefits of robots. At first glance, robots are creepy, based on what we know from fictional novels and movies, but while people may fear the idea of a robot developing a mind of its own, it is highly unlikely that this will happen. Rather, robots are the future of our ever-growing modern society.

For most people, the primary sector, specifically the agricultural industry, is an unattractive occupation due to its labor-intensive and physically demanding nature. Many refuse to work long hours and wish to pursue less labor-intensive careers that offer equal to higher pay, hence why robots are our only hope for this crucial yet weakening part of our economy. 

To begin with, robots have already proven beneficial through revolutionizing agricultural practices. Considering that there is a severe shortage of farmworkers, mechanization, and robotics have saved this declining industry that is crucial for the survival of humans. Robots have made harvesting, a once laborious, tiresome, and tedious job fully mechanized and more efficient. Take a look at the Agrobot SW6010, a fully automated strawberry harvester, which has 24 robotic arms and sensors to easily tell if a strawberry is ripe enough for harvesting. Without robots like these supplying our food chain, homes and grocery stores would lack basic fruits and vegetables. 

“We’re seeing more and more of a move towards just technology in general, whether it’s robotics or mechanization,” said wine grape grower Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau in a CNBC article. “We’ve seen some incredible improvements there, and for us to remain competitive in California just because of so many areas of cost and the lack of needed individuals to help us bring in the harvest we’re going to have to rely upon this technology.”

While the common stigma surrounding robots continues to dilute society, it is no wonder why many believe robots are, in fact, taking jobs away from humans. It is important that we understand the role of robots to their fullest extent. They’re not here to merely steal our jobs and create a surge of unemployment in our economy. Robots, as of now, have been utilized to save diminishing industries, like the agricultural industry. What was once a declining industry has now been saved because of robots. It does not make much sense to blame robots for stealing our jobs when in fact, citizens don’t want to take on jobs in the agricultural industry. 

Moreover, robots have not only assisted the agricultural industry but also the healthcare industry. Whether it is as simple as bringing up medicine to the patient on the first floor or performing life-saving surgeries, robots have been a part of the equation in recent years. 

“There are a number of benefits of this minimally invasive procedure, importantly for our patients. They lose less blood, experience less pain, recover quicker and leave hospitals sooner. The robotic surgery allows us to see in close detail in 3D-magnified images, and with its three arms maximizes surgical precision,” said Dr. Shahnawaz Rasheed in a Healthline article. 

Of course, once again, many will argue about the potential job losses that will occur, but it is important that we value safety and success above all else, especially when it comes to human life in surgery. What better way to maximize success and accuracy than with robots? 

At the end of the day, whether we like it or not, robots are the future. In some ways, robots may have taken over simple jobs that citizens work as, however, we must acknowledge the pros that clearly outweigh the cons. Simply put, they’re reliable, sustainable, and accurate machines that have not only saved industries but improved them too.

Photo courtesy of ROBOTICS.UTORONTO.CA