ROBOTS & SMES
CREATE AN INNOVATIVE ENVIRONMENT
The understanding and implementation of robots and AI (Artificial Intelligence) into the workplace is becoming an increasingly important aspect of economic growth in Europe.
In order to take advantage of the technological advances SME Managers need to adopt the appropriate tools (including skills and competencies) to evaluate the value of automation and how to integrate robots and AI into the workforce.
SME Managers should consider a range of strategic factors in order to integrate next-generation robots into their overall strategy with a need to re-think workflows – introducing autonomous units that can think and interact with a wider ecosystem requires a re-evaluation of workplace structure.
Additionally social factors should be considered – the introduction of robots requires an understanding of social context and how interaction and communication between humans and AI can be facilitated and managed.
To support Managers and staff we have developed a series of training and support tools to enable the assessment of the value of robots to business development and sustainability and then effectively introduce them.
The overall impact will be an effective and viable way of managing the growing need for information and support in the area of the introduction of new age technologies into business.
Self Assessments
The purpose of the Self-Assessment Tools are to provide Managers and employees with preliminary self-assessments of their business/awareness to enable them to assist in the planning of the introduction or development of Robots and /or AI.
Assess the Preparedness of Managers
This assessment tool, together with the complementary training courses, will assist Managers to assess their business strategy to determine the appropriateness of introducing/developing Robots or AI into their business.
The Introduction of Robots
This self-diagnostic tool consists of questions to assess staff attitude and views if the company is considering the introduction of robots and/or AI.
Handling Differences in the Workplace
This self-diagnostic tool consists of a series of basic questions to assess how individuals handle differences in the workplace.
Training Programme
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence – Module 1 (Introduction)
The aim of this General Information module is to help and assist SME managers to gain a greater understanding of, and keep pace with, developments in the robot/AI sector, as they need to have the evaluation and implementation tools to ensure they are making the best use of these new technologies to guarantee their competitive edge.
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence – Module 2 (Training Needs Analysis)
If an organization is a structure, staff members are the backbone of it. Introducing robots/Artificial Intelligence into an organisation can be a stressful and challenging time for Managers and staff with uncertainties on both sides 'Is my job safe', 'what new working methods will be introduced?', 'what new skills will my staff need?' and so on.
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence – Module 3 (Conflict Management Training)
The objective of the 9 lessons in this module is to provide information to promote understanding of the effect Robotics and Artificial Intelligence might have on workplace conflict culture. Participants will learn that they need to address conflict in the workplace in a constructive manner before the introduction of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
If, after taking the Training Modules you feel you wish further in-depth training we are compiling a list of Training Providers that can offer you further appropriate training.
You will need to conclude the training provision directly with each Provider.
Training Providers
You can register your institution for FREE and be included in our List of Training Providers ..... just register with us indicating the Activity Areas you can offer.
AI & Business
Just some of your questions answered - What is Robotisation? Examples of use cases of Robotisation? What are some of the benefits that Robotisation may bring to your business?
Interview President of National Centre of Robotics in Slovakia
In this 6 video series we discuss the topic of Artificial Intelligence and the value it may bring to SMEs with prof. Ing. Mária Bieliková, PhD., Founder of Slovak AI, founder of Kinit Institute and President of the Permanent Slovak Ethics Commission for AI.
European Study Report
ROB-SME undertook a European Study (2019) to determine the issues faced by SME Managers when considering the introduction of robots/AI into their organisation and make recommendations in respect of strategies available to gain the best advantage from their introduction.
The main conclusions that can be drawn from the Survey results are:
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SME Managers stated that training would be really important in order to inform current and future employees, as they would become more aware and skilled regarding new technologies to keep up with markets’ constant demands. Most of the countries stated that there are skill gaps due to poor training in schools/universities.
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SME Managers stated that the EU should include more robots/AI development funding programs, more investment in training programs, tax benefits for companies using new technologies, more informing events and workshops in companies, among others.
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SME Managers believe that robotic and AI systems will have a significant impact on the efficiency of their companies.
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There was an agreement regarding the receptiveness of SME Managers to an online mentoring service to help them understand the issues surrounding robotics and artificial intelligence (as well as in which way they could influence their business), including a best practices guide with real examples from other companies.
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Human impact factors must be considered when making decisions about the implementation of technology, as the efficiency gains provided by robots and AI cannot be compared to employee experience, skills and other people factors, most SME Managers were clear.
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SME Managers feel that robotization and AI will affect their business in the next 5 years.
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The majority of respondents believe that the introduction of robots/AI could give their company a competitive advantage over other companies in its sector.
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Most of the respondents think that there are opportunities offered by emerging technologies to both evolve their business model and to improve the relationship with their employees.
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Most SME Managers have not yet started implementing steps towards digitalization, robotization and/or AI.
