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Robots Don’t Kill Jobs, They Automate Tasks

Automate 2019 - We spoke to the President of Universal Robots about this controversial issue.

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Will a robot take my job?

Take a look at the comments section of any Boston Dynamics YouTube announcement, and you’ll find plenty of people wondering this very thing. However, the truth may be a little more nuanced.

In this video, Universal Robots President Jurgen Von Hollen discusses how the majority of robotic automation is actually used to complete tasks in factories where employers can’t hire qualified people.

According to Von Hollen, automation can take repetitive, dull and ergonomically unhealthy tasks from human workers. Even without robots, these types of low-skill tasks typically have high turnover. Automation creates opportunities for those workers to move into more stimulating or creative tasks, such as programming and maintaining the robots themselves.

Check out the video to see the full conversation. 

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.