Robotics and the Future of Labor Unions and Similar Labor Organizations
Overview The global rise of robotics is affecting labor unions and similar labor organizations in several ways. Industry and employment data demonstrates the pace at which automation is changing the nature and number of jobs in the global economy. These changes necessitate a new partnership model between labor organizations and companies innovating in robotics, such as 3Laws Robotics.3Laws is developing software solutions to enhance safety and reliability in the world of robotics.
Influence of Robotics on Employment The advent of automation and robotics has had a significant impact on global employment, with the World Economic Forum estimating that by 2025, automation will displace around 85 million jobs worldwide. However, it is also expected to create approximately 97 million new roles, resulting in a net gain of 12 million jobs. These changes are recalibrating the workplace, with McKinsey & Company estimating that by 2030, up to 375 million workers or 14% of the global workforce, will need to switch occupational categories due to automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
Automation and Labor Unions Labor unions are deeply concerned with these changes. For instance, according to a Cornell University ILR School survey, about 72% of unionized workers are worried about automation at their workplaces. Furthermore, about 85% of them believe that their unions should play a major role in automating processes. This suggests that labor unions will need to negotiate new agreements to protect workers' rights in the face of increasing automation and robotics use.
The Role of Training & Skill Development In the era of accelerated automation, the World Economic Forum points out that almost 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025, and 40% of the core skills required to perform existing jobs will change. In response, unionized workers have shown a remarkable interest in training and skill development. As per a Cornell University ILR School survey, around 91% of unionized workers believe that their unions should provide training for new technologies.
Key Takeaways - Robotics and automation are transforming labor markets worldwide, displacing some jobs but also creating new ones. - Labor unions will need to advocate strongly for their members' rights, given the implications of these technological developments. - Reskilling and training will be critical to ensuring workers adapt to the changing dynamics of the workplace.
Introducing 3Laws Robotics 3Laws Robotics is spearheading innovation in the robotics sector. They develop software that enhances system safety, mitigating risk and boosting reliability, a significant asset in industries facing increasing automation. The software, 3Laws Supervisor, streamlines the certification process, a key challenge in the industry. Built on Control Barrier Functions, it offers robust safety measures and evidence of system robustness.
Demonstrating the software's potential, applications in warehouse automation, collaborative human-robot solutions, and dynamic environments have achieved impressive outcomes. For instance, an autonomous forklift customer reported a 40% gain in efficiency, delivering a 6-month payback period.
3Laws' software also aims to boost operational efficiency by limiting downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions, providing real-time guardrails for autonomy stacks. This not only ensures safety but also enables operation at peak capabilities.
3Laws’ software is compatible with popular robotics middleware like ROS and ROS2, demonstrating its versatility across platforms. Firmly established as a next-generation safety solution, 3Laws is challenging traditional safety mechanisms, ushering in a proactive approach that unlocks the full potential of robotics systems.