BM 565 Report: Exploring Robotics in Digital Business & Tech

This report provides an overview of robotics as an emerging digital technology and its impact on various business functions. It discusses the importance of robotics, its development, and the technological platforms used. The report also highlights the application of robotics within organizations and its effectiveness as a business tool, especially in hazardous environments and during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it explores the relationship between business management theories, such as scientific management, systems management, contingency management, and human relations theory, and the integration of digital technologies like robotics, automation, and big data, emphasizing how these technologies are transforming business methodologies and management practices to improve productivity, efficiency, and employee satisfaction. The document is available on Desklib, where students can find additional resources like past papers and solved assignments.

BM 565 Digital Business &
New Technologies
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK...............................................................................................................................................3
TOPIC DESCRIPTION: ROBOTICS.............................................................................................3
A. Importance of Robotics...........................................................................................................3
B. Development of robotics.........................................................................................................3
C. Description of technology and its uses...................................................................................4
D. Technological platforms used.................................................................................................4
E. Use within organisation and business.....................................................................................4
F. Usage and effectiveness of robotics as effective business tool...............................................5
Relationship between business management theories and emerging digital technologies..............5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9
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INTRODUCTION
Robotics is engineering stream which is concerned with the design, conception, operations
and manufacturing of robots. Robotic devices or robots are simply artificial intelligent based
machines whose purpose is to substitute human actions for the purpose of ease and feasibility
(Colombo and Sanguineti, 2018). Human interaction can be replaced with robotic machines so
that hazardous jobs can be completed without risking human live or interaction. Various fields
such as assembly, packaging, transport, surgery, safety, weaponry and space exploration are
achieving greater accuracy and accomplishments due to robotics. This report will discuss the
development use of robotic technology in business. It will also evaluate the interaction between
digital technologies and management theories.
TASK
TOPIC DESCRIPTION: ROBOTICS
A. Importance of Robotics
Robots or robotic technology based devices have greater capabilities which make them
highly suitable for the diverse applications. Thus they can easily perform any tasks with greater
level of accuracy, efficiency along with easy adaptation of surroundings, ability to quickly
change the behaviour for completion of dynamic tasks. Thus their extraordinary ability can be
used to improve the lives of human being and to bring significant changes. There are multiple
business environments like chemical plants, heavy machinery manufacturing or health care
which involve hazardous risk in which working or involvement of human risk can be life
threatening (Ni and Obashi, 2021). Similarly, when pandemics like Covid 19 emerged and when
human capabilities were restricted then in such conditions robots can emerge as alternative
solutions to take responsibilities and to perform various tasks.
B. Development of robotics
Robotic advancements today have made it very easy and efficient for labour intensive
industry methods along with better authenticity and efficiency in service delivery or
manufacturing. Currently automated machines are used for doing repetitive functions particularly
in manufacturing industry, space, military and commercialised agriculture. More advanced
software is also integrated with robots so as to prevent theft and generation of big data. The
ability to analyse huge amount of big data also make them suitable for business to understand
market and customer needs (Kim and et.al., 2021). Robotic technology is based upon numerical
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control as well as teleoperation. The technology uses mechanical design as well as software
based control system so that automation can be introduced. Today in manufacturing business
robots are used for material handling, operations processing as well as for inspection and
assembly. Automation in robotic technology and increased control via programming language is
also making robots highly suitable in service industry like health care, banking as well as trade
and retail (Raj and Seamans, 2019).
C. Description of technology and its uses
The key use of robotics is in the areas where human capabilities and scope is limited. Like
in the areas which involve risk and limited capabilities. Robots are mainly employed in
businesses which involves greater extent of risk or where extreme efforts or capabilities are
needed. For instance, construction, health care, space, chemical plants as well as manufacturing
firms are using robotics to enhance the support and efficiency. Robots can even lift toxic material
or can perform repetitive task continuously. Currently robotic technology is developing and
overlapping with the artificial intelligence and machine learning (Javaid and et.al., 2021).
Advanced kind of sensors and improved connecting devices are making more compact and
sophisticated robots for human assistance.
D. Technological platforms used
Robotic open platform (ROP) is used for making hardware designs by providing electric
scheme, CAD drawings and documentation. This software is used by various institutions as well
as individuals. There are multiple platforms available such as Google ROBEL, Microsoft Airsin
and AWS Robomaker. It is cost effective and open source platforms for facilitating design and
development of robots. This platform is robust and low cost so that on hardware reinforcement
can be encouraged. It also allows to develop important algorithms for learning. AirSim is a
simulation platform which allows users to perform realistic simulation for developers (Kose and
Sakata, 2019). Another platform AWS provide cloud based robotic based integrated environment
in which robotic applications can be tested, deployed and developed using cloud technology.
E. Use within organisation and business
Robotics have brought significant contribution in business world which was even
recognised more clearly during and after Covid pandemic. Flexibility and ability of robots have
made them suitable to work in industries where robots can engage in lifting heavy machines or
performing repetitive tasks without getting tired or compromising efficiency (Siau and Wang,
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2018). Within health care, mining or construction industry where life threatening risks are
present robots can be used to perform operations safely. Thus many retail and hospitality based
service industries are using robotic technology to enhance the speed and quality of service.
Hazardous businesses are using robots to minimise the risk and to give greater emphasis on
quality and increased production rather than focusing on only safety or limitations of human
employee.
F. Usage and effectiveness of robotics as effective business tool
As business tool robotics is considered as effective solution which is addressing the
performance gap. For instance, during pandemic when movement restrictions were imposed
businesses uses robots to ensure the delivery and supply chain continuity. Also many
organisations are using drone based delivery system, robotic assistance and services for
improving quality or customer experience. This not only help to boost the productivity but also
provide organisations competitive advantage (Samuel, George and Samuel, 2020). Even in
manufacturing industry robotic use has made it possible to enhance the scalability and thus even
a global network of supply chain can be created and maintained without any delay in production
or supply. Thus robots have made great contribution in scale of economy and global expansion
of services and operations.
Relationship between business management theories and emerging digital
technologies
The above discussion has close association with the concepts or content discussed in the
course. The course aimed at teaching important aspects and patterns of digital technology and
their utilisation in managing new businesses. Robotics has been acting as new technology
shaping the way in which operations are carried out by organisation. Not only with the aim of
hazardous working environment but also to enhance the operational quality also organisations
and businesses are integrating robotic technology. The same has been discussed in the course
that several technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing are shaping
the business methodologies. The same has been reflected in the real world application of robotic
also that using this technology several organisations have made it possible to meet the increasing
demand of services or products and to improve the service quality.
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The robotics and other digital technologies are also closely connected with the
management theories. The business management theories provide conceptual description and
guidelines about adopting the effective management practices so that business goals can be
accomplished (Samala and et.al., 2020). Some of the key management theories which need
transformational shift and consideration of latest digital technologies are as follows:
Scientific management theory: This theory states that for increasing the productivity and
efficiency improved methods and simplification is required. Earlier it was assumed that in
industries like manufacturing where demand is high workers must be forced to do extreme hard
work so that goals can be accomplished. However, with technology development it was observed
that rather than forcing and pressuring individuals to work stressfully adoption of technology can
render more satisfactory outcomes. Attractive incentive and safe working environment can
motivate workers to enhance their productivity (Xiao and Kumar, 2021). Increasing role of
digital technology in all business functions such as marketing, operations, HRM and research has
made it easy and quite flexible for the employees. This is the reason that organisations have to
now build new performance indicators and measurements for managing the work of employees
and ways to improve their productivity.
System management theory: This is one of the best approach for management and planning of
organisational functions. It used to consider organisations as single system in which multiple
functional component are working in sync for achieving business goals. It emphasis that
employees are integral and important part of the system and thus managers must understand the
collaboration and management of different functional units. With digital technology the
management practices have changed completely. Earlier the collaboration was considered to be a
difficult task due to limited communication approaches and rigidity of business units. However,
the emerging digital technologies and communication platforms. Currently social media and
interaction or monitoring tools have become so much prominent that organisations are not
required to make an additional effort for establishing connectivity between different functional
units (Tavakoli, Carriere and Torabi, 2020). Digital technology itself provides a sound
connectivity and monitoring of various organisational department. Earlier managing system or
organisation was used to considered as complex task and thus lot of effort and focus was driven
away from it. However, with digital technology as collaboration and system connectivity
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becomes simple and extremely easy organisations are now giving attention and priority to
economies of scale and to improve their supply network.
Contingency management theory: As per this theory employee only have physical needs and
social or other personal needs does not affect the employee satisfaction or performance level.
Thus this theory emphasised upon mainly labour specialisation, profit optimisation, productivity,
centralised leadership as well as priority to bottom line. Though from management perspective
theory does not hold good as it does not take social and personal need into consideration.
However, with technologies like robotic, automation, big data and several others it has become
convenient for the firms to focus on these aspects more closely. For instance, robotic application
in the business and industries incorporate higher extent of precision, speed and accuracy. With
globalisation when supply and demand of organisations have increased drastically organisations
are required to cope up and match the growth extent (Boyd and Holton, 2018). This would have
not been possible without integration of digital technology. It is possible only due to
technological innovations that organisations are able to meet the productivity and quantity
demands of market situations. Thus when applying classical management theories contemporary
firms are assuring that latest digital advancements are used to improve and meet the physical
safety and other related needs of their staff members.
Human relation theory: According to this theory employee satisfaction is crucial driver in
organisational success and thus significant efforts must be made to improve the satisfaction level
among staff members. Social and environmental factors like safety, working conditions,
monetary benefits as well as team recognition are important to satisfy the employees so that their
productivity and retention can be improved. Digital technology has become key factor in meeting
both these needs and thus theory has also changed to an extent which depends upon digital
applications. For instance, currently social media platforms and other digital tools have become
way to demonstrate and measure the recognition factor. Thus if an employee is recognised
effectively on these tools then it gives immense satisfaction towards organisation. This is the
reason that contemporary organisations are using digital tools for building their brand and to use
it as motivation factor for attracting and retaining employees. Robotic usage is encouraged in
industries like mining, chemical plants or construction in which employee retention or
acquisition is tough task due to risk involved. Thus when robotics is used it become very easy for
the businesses to meet their productivity and supply goals (Colombo and Sanguineti, 2018).
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While building relations with employee’s organisations are considering digital platforms for
recognition and monitoring due to their vast, quick and influential impact.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded that robotics is highly influential and emerging digital technology which
will bring major transformations in business and human lives. Thus it is very crucial to
understand the role and development of robotic technology. It has been also analysed that
technology is widely used in variety of business aspects and industries and provide vast range of
benefits for enhancing business productivity and outcome. Thus relation of this technological
development must align or sync with the management concepts and theories so that organisations
can identify and explore the future opportunities.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Boyd, R. and Holton, R.J., 2018. Technology, innovation, employment and power: Does robotics
and artificial intelligence really mean social transformation?. Journal of
Sociology, 54(3), pp.331-345.
Colombo, R. and Sanguineti, V. eds., 2018. Rehabilitation robotics: Technology and application.
Javaid, M., and et.al., 2021. Substantial capabilities of robotics in enhancing industry 4.0
implementation. Cognitive Robotics, 1, pp.58-75.
Kim, Y. and et.al., 2021. A Study on the Development of Medical Robotics Technology
Commercialization Model [J]. Journal of Advances in Information Technology, 12(2).
Kose, T. and Sakata, I., 2019. Identifying technology convergence in the field of robotics
research. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 146, pp.751-766.
Ni, B. and Obashi, A., 2021. Robotics technology and firm-level employment adjustment in
Japan. Japan and the World Economy. 57. p.101054.
Raj, M. and Seamans, R., 2019. Primer on artificial intelligence and robotics. Journal of
Organization Design, 8(1), pp.1-14.
Samala, N., and et.al., 2020. Impact of AI and robotics in the tourism sector: a critical
insight. Journal of tourism futures.
Samuel, Y., George, J. and Samuel, J., 2020. Beyond stem, how can women engage big data,
analytics, robotics and artificial intelligence? an exploratory analysis of confidence
and educational factors in the emerging technology waves influencing the role of, and
impact upon, women. arXiv preprint arXiv:2003.11746.
Siau, K. and Wang, W., 2018. Building trust in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and
robotics. Cutter business technology journal, 31(2), pp.47-53.
Tavakoli, M., Carriere, J. and Torabi, A., 2020. Robotics, smart wearable technologies, and
autonomous intelligent systems for healthcare during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An
analysis of the state of the art and future vision. Advanced Intelligent Systems, 2(7),
p.2000071.
Xiao, L. and Kumar, V., 2021. Robotics for customer service: a useful complement or an
ultimate substitute?. Journal of Service Research, 24(1), pp.9-29.
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