American workers are concerned "The robots are coming, run" But actually they are already here

Are you worried that wolves will eat you? How about the warehouse robots eating your lunch in the diner while you collect the last few months of your unemployment benefits? What am I saying here? I am saying that warehouse robots are taking over warehouse jobs. Very soon they will take over nursing jobs, trucking and other factory jobs. Our robotic age is drawing near, and what we’ve seen so far is just the beginning. Okay, so let’s talk about this for a second, shall we?

There was an interesting article recently in the Puget Sound Business Journal on March 19, 2012 titled; “Amazon buys a warehouse robotics company for $775 million,” by Greg Lamm, who stated;

“Amazon has long used automation in its fulfillment centers, and Kiva’s technology is another way to improve productivity by getting products directly to employees for picking, packing, and storage,” and “Kiva shares our passion for the invention and we look forward to supporting its continued growth.”

Obviously, if Amazon wants to continue its high-volume, low-cost strategy, it must remain efficient in its operations. You also realize that you are having trouble filling the jobs you need depending on the state of the economy, whether we are in a bull cycle or a recession. He also realizes that there’s a learning curve to training all of these employees, and that often takes time, time they don’t have.

The technology has been tested and exists for warehouse robots to complete all tasks previously assigned to humans, and do so without hurting their backs, breaking ergonomic procedures, or filing lawsuits. Robots are also not late for work or require medical benefits, ObamaCare or paid vacation. Okay, if all of this is true, why isn’t every company doing it right now?

Currently it’s just a matter of cost, i.e. creating a robotic warehouse means a huge initial investment, and the technology that includes all the sensors is not exactly there yet, but it is coming and those two factors will soon disappear making robotics highly profitable for any company that participates in this new technology.

Maybe the writing is on the wall and American workers understand that robots are a threat to their future job security. It may be that becoming a robotics engineer is the right path, but is it? After all, in the future robots will design themselves and work in all factories creating future and more advanced robots for all the various applications needed. In fact, I hope you will please consider all this and think about it.