Advanced Manufacturing - Case Study Example

Case Analysis Name Institution’s Name Course Name and Code Instructor’s Name Date Utilitarian Approach Utilitarianism also referred to as Consequentialism demands that the right thing to do largely depends on consequences of one’s actions: in this regard, human beings should always strive to maximize overall utility (Kanniyakonil2007). In simple terms, utilitarianism is doing the greatest good for the greatest number. In this essence, it is said that the main standard of morality is significantly dictated by its usefulness. Utilitarian approach is usually aimed at maximizing happiness and more importantly reduce suffering; for instance, when a given taken action results into a non-decidedly negative impact on others (Lang 2005). This section using the utilitarian approach affirms that it is right to use robots to replace manual workers particularly in manufacturing firms. Advanced manufacturing is the only way that companies will remain competitive in the marketplace (Johnson & Reath 2011). With the ever increasing global population, the demand for manufactured commodities is exponentially rising. The use of robots in manufacturing reduces lead times in product production (Markoff 2012). For instance, robots can work tirelessly and at a constant speed, which on the other hand increases efficiency and effectiveness (Murray 2012). For example, Royal Philips Electronics which produces electric shavers has a line assembly that is made up of robots that are guided unerringly to pick up the parts they assemble (Kanniyakonil2007). The Tesla Motors Company has also started using robots in manufacturing the Tesla S a luxury sedan. The greater good in the above described discussion, using robots in production instead of casual workers will automatically result into increased production, which on the other hand will integrate the company’s performance (Kanniyakonil2007). In the same line of discussion, the production costs will be tremendously reduced which will significantly reduce product prices as well as increasing the company’s profitability (Holland 2007). The free market theory states that, the role of the business is to make profits for its shareholders and involvement in any other activity than profit maximization is morally wrong. Deontological Approach This is the normative ethical ground on which morality of an action is judged based on the action’s adherence to the rules. For instance, it holds that the right thing to do wholly depends on the fundamental quality of the act itself regardless of the consequences. In this regard, some actions cannot be justified due to the effects that they come with; for instance, however morally good such actions might be, they are morally forbidden (Johnson & Reath 2011). A given act or choice of action can be right by its conformity to the moral norm. According to the deontological approach, the right has priority over the good. For this matter, if an action is not in accordance with the right, it should not be undertaken despite the greater good that it might produce. This section, justifies that manual workers should not be replaced by robots in manufacturing. The use of robots in manufacturing has the potential of increasing the company’s performance due to increased rates of production at significantly reduced production costs (Kanniyakonil2007). It has been established that by using robots in manufacturing, manufacturing companies are able to make any consumer device. Faxconn is inclined to displace its manual workers with robots across the world arguing that human beings are hard to manage as compared to robots, which are programmed to perform a given task endlessly and tirelessly. From the above discussion, however much good that is brought about by the use of robots in manufacturing many people are bound to lose their jobs and above all it goes against the rules set by trade unions. In the same line of argument, displaced employees will not be able to support themselves financially leave alone their families (Johnson & Reath 2011). Employing robotic manufacturing is unethical from a deontological approach given the fact that although there is great good in this act but there is no right in it; it goes against the societal norms and principles. Technological Transition Technological innovations are a common occurrence through history and in the modern age it rapidly on the rise. It is essential to note that, as new technologies continue being developed they co-exist with the old ones before replacing them. Using transport as an example, steam ships replaced sailing while automobiles replaced horse-based transportation (Kanniyakonil2007). In essence, Technological Transition theory describes how technological innovations happen and the way they are incorporated into the society (Tannsjo 2013). Accordingly, in addition to technological development, TT widely considers changes in the society like regulations, industrial networks, user practices, infrastructure, and culture or symbolic meaning (Johnson & Reath 2011). TT theory dictates that, for any technological innovation to be useful it must and should be linked to social structures of human together with organizations in order to fulfill a particular need (Smart & Williams 2013). It should be a seamless and smooth web in which there is a combination of physical artifacts, organizations, social communities and scientific communities. This technological system comprises of both technical and non-technical aspects which also represents a shift in socio-technical configurations that occurs in the event of technological transition occurs. This section, using the theory of technological transition discusses the adoption of robot technology in manufacturing (Geels 2001). The introduction above extensively affirms that it is only through the association with human agency, social structures and organization that fulfills its function (Geels 2001). In essence, technology is configuration that works (Kanniyakonil2007). Configurations that work must work with the rest of the society. In this regard, things, skills and techniques are part of routines and behavioral patterns of organizations. Societal functions are fulfilled by socio-technological configurations. Robots have been created to imitate human traits, which are mainly routinized. Manufacturing is made up of Routinized functions that since time immemorial have been performed by man. The strive to simplify manufacturing; robots have been invented to help in efficient and effective manufacturing. Technological Transition theory state that as new technologies continue to be invented older technologies are replaced over time; similarly, the invention of robots will automatically replace manual labour. 3D Printing This is also referred to as additive manufacturing is where three dimensional solid objects are made virtually in any shape from a digital model. This is usually achieved using an additive process whereby successive layers of materials are laid in different shapes. It is significantly different from traditional manufacturing techniques that largely relied on removal of materials through drilling and cutting processes (Johnson & Reath 2011). 3D printers are limited types of industrial robots that have the power to carry out additive processes under computer control (Kanniyakonil2007). This section discusses development in 3D printing as a disruptive technology in the manufacturing industry (Geels 2001). Disruptive technologies describes processes by which products or services take root initially from its simple applications at the bottom of the market which then constantly gains market recognition and capture and eventually ends up displacing established competitors. These kind of technologies have the ability to introduce different packages of attributes from the one mainstream customers historically value. 3D printing is a disruptive technology that has been around since 1980s and has made significant development over years and thus it has become widely available commercially. It is an essential technology used in both prototyping and distributed manufacturing. 3D printing has enabled rapid manufacturing which has culminated into low cost production of parts (Johnson & Reath 2011). Rapid manufacturing is the current manufacturing method, which has largely been made possible 3D printing. 3D printing is a disruptive technology in manufacturing as it is gradually replacing traditional manufacturing technologies. References Geels, F 2001, Technological Transitions as Evolutionary Reconfiguration Processes: A multi-level Perspective and a Case Study. Research Policy, vol. 31, pp. 1257-1274 global-industry.html?pagewanted=all> Holland, S 2007, Public Health Ethics, Polity, New York. Johnson, O., & Reath, A 2011, Ethics: Selections from Classic and Contemporary Writers, Cengage Learning, London. Kanniyakonil, S 2007. The Fundamentals of Bioethics: Legal Perspectives and Ethical Approaches, Scaria Kanniyakonil. London. Lang, P 2005, Slef-identity and Human Happiness, Peter Lang, London. March 2014, Read More