Toyota, the world’s largest car maker, is replacing some robots in its factories with humans to improve efficiency. The company has discovered that certain intricate tasks can be performed better by people. The move also allows employees to learn new skills and improve existing processes.
The initiative, referred to as the ‘Toyota Manual Labour Project,’ has already yielded positive results. In one case, a team cut the time required to produce a certain car part from 1 minute to 20 seconds.
Toyota’s shift towards more human labour is part of a broader trend in the Japanese manufacturing sector. Companies are recognising the value of human intuition and creativity in the production process.
However, Toyota’s move does not signal the end of automation in car manufacturing. The company still uses robots for tasks that are dangerous or too difficult for humans. Toyota’s strategy is to find the right balance between human skill and automation to maximise efficiency and quality.
The company’s approach could have significant implications for the future of manufacturing. It suggests that a hybrid model, combining the best of human and machine labour, could be the most effective way to produce goods.
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