Without Humans, Robots Would Be Out Of A Job

robotic high speed cells

American Precision Industries, your friendly and local sheet metal machine shop in Hillsboro, OR, finds solutions for a variety of fabrication needs. As an industry at the forefront of automation, we understand the concern many people have that the future of American jobs will be taken by robotic capabilities. But in truth, people are still required to program and build these AI machines to aid us in whatever we can dream up.

Robots don’t possess this ability on their own, so we keep telling them what we want them to do, and they continue to help us in making it happen. Even as technology continues to make manufacturing a job for machines, we still employ humans at API to perform our very intricate sheet metal and manufacturing work.

Let’s Not Forget The Old Days

The past, present, and future of sheet metal and precision machining techniques has come a long way over the years, as the current use of robotic systems is actually a newer concept.

The 1800s began with all fabrication being completely dependent upon people, and their good, old-fashioned muscles. First came the hydraulic wheel, then the steam engine, and eventually came the invention of the electric motor.

These machines weighed around 500 kg, if you can imagine that. They also grew in size over time as the technology was developed and made more advanced.

The end of the 19th century brought more advances in cutting techniques, like the use of the oxyhydrogen torch, which used oxygen, hydrogen, and lighting gas. While the torch helped to improve production, it didn’t exactly produce that safest work environment. Now we have better advancements like water jet, laser, and plasma cutting tools that enable faster production while still keeping worker safety a top priority. 

The Future Looks Bright With Robotic Machinery

At API, we use the latest technology for robotic high speed cells, enabling us to cut down on longer turn times so we can deliver products to our clients on time, when they need them.

Each of these robotic cells have 240 tools each, and will run 24/7, which is great when the humans that work here need to go home, sleep, and spend time with their families. But according to the latest ideas about the possible future of using robotics within manufacturing and metal fabrication, Josh Cable at Industry Week has this to say: “I can see them getting smarter to the point where they might train themselves how to see or feel something and then remember how it felt so they can repeat it.”

So the robots are proving to be very useful, but we can be certain it will be a long time before humans develop the technological advances to make our AI counterparts self-aware.

We know where we started, and we know where we’re going for the future of American Precision Industries. With our advanced robotic high speed cell tools, we can get the job done right and on time for you.

We also promise to do our best to have you speak with the humans when you call or ask for a quote on our website.