The CEO and founder of Super Tomato on the true cost of automation on the workforce

In exactly five words, how would you describe the work you do?

Building tailored, smart automation machines.

Why is your work important to the world today?

As societies become more advanced and educated, many tasks become dangerous, repetitive, and tedious, and fewer people are willing to undertake them. Many of these jobs require consistent quality, which is difficult to guarantee if a human has to perform them over an extended period of time.

However, these tasks are essential to keep society running smoothly and to ensure that goods and services remain affordable. To address the manpower gap and continue societal development, we need more automation to handle these roles that humans are no longer interested in.

This shift towards automation enables humans to concentrate on tasks that require more creative and cognitive abilities. As a result, it can improve the overall quality of life and career growth, thereby uplifting society to new heights.

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What do people most misunderstand about what the work you do aims to achieve?

The term "automation" often sparks fears of job loss. However, it mainly targets hazardous and monotonous jobs that few want. Our solutions enable companies to redesign roles, allowing employees to upskill or shift positions. This keeps businesses actively hiring and retaining top talent.

Still, it's important to note that there are limits to what can be automated. Human beings have capabilities such as hands (motion), eyes (visual), and brains (decision-making) that are simply too complex for any machine or robot to easily duplicate. Many things in the world are still hard for a machine to take over.

What would success in the work that you do look like?

The first is when a machine we have built gets deployed at the client's premises and performs the tasks it is meant for. It helps ease the workload of the employees, who give us positive feedback that the machine is like a saviour, relieving them of many manual tasks.

The second measure of success is the satisfaction of our engineers who worked on the project. Each machine has its unique set of challenges, and working on it, from ideation, research, development, and construction to eventual deployment on the ground, gives us a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment.

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What three things would make your bigger work goals easier to achieve today?

Firstly, talent is crucial. Building advanced automation machines requires a diverse team, including engineers of various specialities and designers. While it's challenging to find all these skills in one place, the internet and easier travel now allow us to tap into global talent more effectively, whether working remotely or flying in specialists as needed.

Secondly, supply chain improvements have revolutionised access to necessary components. Previously, sourcing specific electrical components could be restrictive and costly when limited to local shops. Thanks to online commerce and efficient logistics, we can procure high-quality components globally at reasonable costs.

Thirdly, the declining cost of electrical components, like sensors, is transformative. Technological advancements are not only reducing prices but also enhancing performance, making previously unfeasible applications possible.

Sensors, essential for automation, are becoming more capable and affordable, expanding the potential and accessibility of automation technologies.

When you look at the state of the world today, what is the one thing that gives you hope?

Society is beginning to question the sustainability of their actions on the environment and how their jobs will contribute to an improved quality of life. By asking ourselves what we can do to enhance the environment and the quality of life for all, I believe the world will continually progress and become a better place with each passing day.