Manual labor is dead. You know how we know? Foxconn announced today that it would start phasing out its rampant hiring, and add over 1 million robots to its manufacturing process over the next three years. A spokesmen for the company claims the robots will help cut rising labor costs, improve efficiency, and help keep Foxconn competitive.
When a company can save money by installing robots to replace workers who are making less than $300 per month, it’s safe to say it’s time to brush up on your robot maintenance skills. We’re all going to need them.
The robots are intended to replace workers doing mostly simple tasks such as spraying, welding, and basic assembly currently done by mostly Chinese laborers. Foxconn currently uses about 10,000 robots, a number which will jump to 300,000 next year, and 1 million in three.
Foxconn is the world’s largest manufacturer of computer components, assembling products for Apple, Sony and Nokia from its headquarters in China.
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