Mauro Ortelli on his vision for cobotics in the workplace
What are the most talked-about subjects in facilities management today? At the heart of our industry's most pressing discussions lie two key topics: people and technology. These themes took centre stage at the recent Workplace Futures 2024 conference, where industry leaders gathered to explore the latest trends and insights shaping the FM landscape.
Among the standout presentations was one by Mauro Ortelli, Managing Director at 14forty, who delved into the transformative potential of collaborative robots, or 'cobots’, across diverse sectors. From their origins in traditional manufacturing to their current roles in FM, Mauro highlighted the remarkable evolution of cobots and their expanding influence.
Keeping the human touch
Today, cobots are making waves in facilities management, tackling tasks ranging from cleaning and catering to security. Their versatility opens up a world of opportunities for streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency in diverse environments.
However, Mauro also underscored the importance of considering the human element in cobotics integration. While cobots offer immense potential, their lack of non-verbal communication can pose challenges in human-centric settings.
Mauro proposed a nuanced approach that focuses on enhancing cobots' ability to mimic human-like communication, fostering a more seamless collaboration between man and machine.
Working towards a collaborative future
Looking ahead, Mauro painted a vision of a future workplace where human-robot collaboration is the norm, transcending traditional boundaries to encompass roles in healthcare, retail, and education. He called for a proactive stance towards this future, urging industry stakeholders to embrace change and adapt to the evolving landscape.
As we navigate the shifting tides of facilities management, it's clear that cobotics will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the industry's trajectory.
By embracing this transformative technology and adopting a forward-thinking mindset, we can pave the way for a more efficient, collaborative and dynamic future in facilities management.
Resources to learn more
Cobotics are making a big impact in the facilities management industry and are already bringing big benefits to our clients.
For a deeper dive into how cobotics can be embraced and integrated into the workplace, enter your details to download our whitepaper, ‘The Future of Cobotics in FM’ below.
You can also read the Workplace Futures 2024 conference whitepaper by clicking here.
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