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Cat_stacker t1_j5sncny wrote

Robots are way more expensive to replace.

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Deyln t1_j5sqcq8 wrote

China is replacing Chinese workforce with robots.

Saying they're expensive and seeing the cheap labor pool being replaced by them is at odds.

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Trelefor t1_j5t019r wrote

They need replaced much less frequently, don't complain, and their upkeep is stable.

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haertelgu t1_j5tmsyw wrote

Also don't get children. And can work 24/7

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Fractoos t1_j5tn631 wrote

Far more loyal and don't want to leave to sleep or eat. Willing to work long hours.

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emeraldoasis t1_j5uvqpu wrote

That is until the inevitable robot uprising

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8andahalfby11 t1_j5vcuw6 wrote

Doubtful. Robots will kill us because of a human programming error long before then. It'll probably something stupid, like properly terminating a while loop.

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bluemitersaw t1_j5to8n6 wrote

Not when you look at the full picture. Robots cost a lot up front (unlike humans) but can work 24/7 (unlike humans). They don't complain, go on strike, ask to use the bathroom, demand pay raises... They don't demand pay at all!

Humans are cheap to replace but have long term costs that never end. Robots are the complete opposite.

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bloodylip t1_j5uay6u wrote

> Humans are cheap to replace but have long term costs that never end. Robots are the complete opposite.

I mean, robots have long term costs that never end, too. Gotta do maintenance on them, otherwise you end up replacing the robot for a lot more than the maintenance costs in the long run.

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buff_samurai t1_j5th3vx wrote

Nah, I work in the industry and it works like this:

The cost of a robot station is usually compared to the total cost of a labor in 2-3years during a single shift.

After that time the robot is like a ‘free’ worker (minus the maintenance and energy).

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blue_twidget t1_j5uj3h3 wrote

Even then, might be considered "free" as power and parts storage is considered a sunk cost.

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buff_samurai t1_j5utx5d wrote

Well, yes and no ;)

If we go deeper there is more then just the cost of labor.

Industrial robots are mostly used for a high volume production of a single element of a product. The main advantage over human worker is accuracy and consistency not just the cost. For some industries the tolerance for an error is like 5 per 1.000.000 meaning the manufacturer’s customer may return the whole batch of a product if he finds more problems. The penalty for this scenario is very high, so it makes sense to use a robot that does not make mistakes like we humans would do even if it costs more.

Next, robots are also much faster, allowing for a higher output in a given time. There is also the rhythm that allows for a precise timing of logistics to feed the machines.

There is more, usually application specific.

In general robots are ‘cheaper’ at scale. For small batches or flexible procedures humans are better choice.

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Deyln t1_j5xo6fz wrote

Which more then covers the cost in terms of length of time that it takes to train an employee. The time is essentially at parity.

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Thunderhorse74 t1_j5u9oka wrote

Early adoption. The price will come down as technology improves and the way to drive that innovation is using it.

Also, they don't need to be tracked and assessed a Social Credit score. I mean, yet, wait till AI "improves"

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0pimo t1_j5tyw9t wrote

Chinese labor costs have skyrocketed.

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DanielWhatUPs t1_j5uux57 wrote

OK man, just because something is more expensive initially, does not mean that it isn't more efficient and cost effective in the long term

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MaxMouseOCX t1_j5t5ai6 wrote

And they don't complain, or take breaks, holidays etc.

Occasionally a part will wear out or break, that's it... For menial tasks, they're just the better solution.

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mybeepoyaw t1_j5uwmj2 wrote

And it doesn't feel pity, remorse, or fear. It absolutely won't stop until your small item is in a large package.

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MaxMouseOCX t1_j5uzg77 wrote

I'm an engineer (not for amazon) but it would seem I've hedged my bets nicely, workers aren't needed, but I fix the replacements...

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paperfkinhandz t1_j5v667d wrote

Until they become sentient and kill you and take your wife to breed her and produce humans to serve them. Yeah, it gets that deep.

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MaxMouseOCX t1_j5v9d8q wrote

Can I have some of whatever it is you've been smoking, sounds amazing.

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paperfkinhandz t1_j5vszii wrote

Yeah, it’s a joint called “fk with shit you’ll regret”. Lots of folks smoked it before: dude that invented 401k, etc.

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[deleted] t1_j5v2wmn wrote

Lets face it. All were doing is building a robot powered walled garden city for the elite. As soon as the rich doesnt need our labour, theyll let us starve from climate change while they send out robot dogs with guns to stop us from trying to enter.

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MaxMouseOCX t1_j5v372i wrote

I err... I fix and build the robots, sorry?

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[deleted] t1_j5v5jfy wrote

What about the other people who arent as good as you are? Im happy you have the job, but not everyone is cut out to be a robotics engineer.

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MaxMouseOCX t1_j5v9373 wrote

As good as I am? I'm an idiot... I can fix and build things you can't, I'm sure there's a billion things you can do that I can't.

What about the other people? I don't know... I just build and fix things.

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[deleted] t1_j5vdmly wrote

Yes, but not all those skills are useful in an economy with a high degree of automation. Alot of people just cant compete with robots, just look at the car industry.

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MaxMouseOCX t1_j5vikhs wrote

OK... Sorry I guess? What do you want me to say?

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[deleted] t1_j5vn773 wrote

Well, dont act like everyone is going to integrate flawlessly into the new robotic and automated economy. Which is the message I got from you your "well i build and maintain the machines".

No horse ever said "motorcars will give us horses better jobs".

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MaxMouseOCX t1_j5vssep wrote

To be honest mate, I don't really give a fuck about other people and their integration, if I make a robot that puts you out of a job, sucks to be you.

Get good 👍

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[deleted] t1_j5w95p5 wrote

Youll change your tune when its you getting axed. Thats how it always goes.

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MaxMouseOCX t1_j5xzvsd wrote

Of course I'll be bummed if someone invents a thing to make me redundant, I can't see that happening soon though, but never say never.

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JubalHarshaw23 t1_j5uo0js wrote

Right up until the Robot Rebellion.

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MaxMouseOCX t1_j5uousr wrote

Yea were no where near that... Yet.

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paperfkinhandz t1_j5v5y5d wrote

And it is coming.

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MaxMouseOCX t1_j5v99nq wrote

Maybe... But both of us will be dead before it does, have you seen chatgpt and what not and got a bit scared? Don't be, it's not that.

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