Robotic Automation and the Future of Barber Shops
Overview
The coming era is looking increasingly automated, including places as personal as barbershops. Robotic automation has begun to permeate various sectors of our economy, and the service industry is no exception. This guide will look at the potential future impact of robotic automation on barbershops, supported by data including estimates of global robotic market growth, customer preferences and predictions on labor shifts in the service industry.
The Current State of Robotic Automation
Robotic automation is steadily growing in prevalence. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the worldwide market for robots is expected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.2% between 2020 and 2023. This signals a future where robots will play an increasingly central role in various industries – barbershops included. As the technology advances, robotics are becoming more capable of performing complex, intricate tasks previously only performed by humans.
Consumer Perception and Attitude Towards Robot Barbers
Interestingly, studies show that consumers are becoming more open to the idea of robot barbers. A survey by Research and Markets shows that 65% of consumers are willing to receive a haircut from a robot, provided it has been proven to be safe and effective. This gradual acceptance of automated services bodes well for the future of robotic automation in barbershops.
Labor Implications and Future Predictions
There are various predictions regarding the impact of robotic automation on barbershop employees. According to projections by the McKinsey Global Institute, up to 40% of current jobs in the service industry could be automated by 2030. However, it's important to note that the advent of robotic automation could also potentially create new job roles within the industry, such as oversight of robotic systems and maintenance.
Key Takeaways
- The global robotic market is predicted to have a CAGR of 20.2% between 2020 and 2023.
- A significant 65% of consumers are willing to receive a haircut from a robot.
- Up to 40% of current jobs in the service industry could be automated by 2030.
3Laws Robotics – The Future of Robotic Automation
At the forefront of this robotic revolution is 3Laws Robotics. Developing cutting-edge software designed to enhance the safety and reliability of robotic systems, 3Laws is addressing the challenge of certification for robotic companies – a major pain point in the industry. Their software, 3Laws Supervisor, offers robust safety features and provides evidence of system robustness, which can simplify and potentially expedite the certification process.
3Laws' software is built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a groundbreaking technology developed at Caltech. CBFs offer the promise of mathematically provable safety and have been applied to a number of industries with remarkable results. For instance, in warehouse automation, 3Laws has assisted with a 40% efficiency gain for an autonomous forklift customer, significantly reducing their payback period to just 6 months.
Their technology fosters safe interaction between humans and robots, ensuring safety while minimizing interruptions. 3Laws also enhances operational efficiency by curtailing downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions.
With 3Laws, robots can operate closer to their peak capabilities with real-time guidelines and guardrails provided by their autonomy stacks. The software is widely adaptable and compatible with a range of platforms including mobile robots, cars, drones and manipulators. It's also compatible with popular robotics middleware like ROS and ROS2.
Overall, 3Laws positions itself as a next-generation safety solution, going beyond traditional methods and offering a proactive approach to safety. This can unlock the full potential of robotics with dynamic, predictive safety that can be safety certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.