580,000 robots will be used in #warehousing #logistics jobs by 2025 according to a new Robotics report I found yesterday. Remember, one robot can do the work of a few humans. Some of the reasons for this trend is yes the Big Bad Wolf of #automation. #amazon and #walmart have been using robots in their warehouses for years now. The trial has worked and so they’re going ahead to remove #humans from those jobs. It’s cheaper in many ways. No unions, no coffee, cigarette or toilet breaks needed by these autobots. Amazon’s acqusition of #kivasystems forced other competitors to adopt automation to stay competitive. It’s a catch 22!

Humans are to blame as well. Warehouse jobs are deemed as undesirable by the younger generation. They fantasise about leading a #laptop lifestyle, lazing on the beach with their laptop and a pina colada. In previous decades, young people were willing to go into trades and become apprentices. Now they’re too advanced, they feel that such manual work is below them.

Getting back to the 40 or 50 year old worker. If they could do even a few months of new skills training, we’d be laughing. There are a few deterrents. Cost, time, ROI. Where would they find an extra $2K — $5K to upskill? Plus how to take time off work? Their employer would not clap their hands with joy and say, “Go on! Do your course and come back!” While they’re gone, they may put out adverts for their replacements. Younger people who are cheaper to hire. Some of these people may be desperate to get ANY job, that they may put up with less than ideal working conditions.

There’s no guarantee that AFTER upskilling, these workers can get better jobs or any job in the same industry. Moving from one industry to another is not easy. Sure recruiters may say that you have some transferable skills but you’d be competing with other people who have the industry experience that you lack. It may also require relocation. This is not easy as people have to consider their family’s needs. Kids are still in school, the wife (or partner) may still have a stable job. They don’t need to move or change yet. So families or couples may be forced to split up. What is the human, social or community cost of this?

What you said Michael K. Spencer that it may be an expensive fraud may click home. Too late for many. What’s really needed is a plan. Governments need to work with industry leaders, educators and consult the people themselves. Ask people to volunteer for a trial program. By trial and error, they may come up with a workable system. But not if it’s only in theory or election/campaign promises. “Vote for me and I’ll make sure your jobs stay safe!” Empty promises or campaign BS…