American workers are worried "The robots are coming, run" But actually they’re already here

Worried about being eaten by werewolves? How about the warehouse robots eating their lunch in the dining room while you collect the last remaining months of your unemployment benefits? What am I saying here? I am saying that warehouse robots are taking over warehouse jobs. Pretty soon they’ll be taking over nursing, trucking, and other factory jobs. Our robotic age is coming, and what we have seen so far is only the beginning. Okay, so let’s talk about this for a second, okay?

There was an interesting article recently in the Puget Sound Business Journal on March 19, 2012 titled; “Amazon Buys 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 bringing products directly to employees to pick, pack and put away,” and “Kiva shares our passion for the invention and look forward to supporting its continued growth.”

Obviously, if Amazon wants to continue its low-cost, high-volume 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 is a learning curve to training all these employees, and that often takes time, time they don’t have.

The technology is proven and exists for warehouse robots to complete all tasks previously assigned to humans, and they 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 vacations. Okay, if all of this is true, why isn’t every company doing it right now?

Currently it’s just a question of cost, that is, creating a robotic warehouse means a large 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.

Perhaps 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, robots in the future 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 of this and think about it.