How To Assess Automation Promises From Robotics Vendors
As a former Marine, the constant misuse of the phrase “mission-critical” by robotics firms is deeply disturbing. Mission-critical information technology systems are necessary to continue warfighter operations and direct mission support of these operations, while mission-essential information technology systems are basic and necessary to accomplish an organization’s mission.
Even definitions without a military tie to mission-critical make clear the emphasis is on the necessity, noting that “a mission-critical task, service, or system is one whose failure or disruption would cause an entire operation or business to grind to a halt. It is indispensable to continuing operations.” Uninterrupted electrical service is an obvious example of a mission-critical service for most modern businesses and consumers.
Lately, some robotics firms are making claims of best practices to successfully deploy automated guided vehicles and automated mobile robots (AGV/AMRs) as “mission-critical operations.” It is my understanding that this shameful exploitation is a disguise in an effort to train the market to look at smaller, less appealing applications because the vendor is unwilling to or incapable of delivering anything more.
Biasing buyers to accept less is not mission-critical, it is at best an excuse and at worst, outright deceptive.
