'Polar Manufacturing,' the Chicago-based metalworking company, has leased a simple robotic worker from the automation company 'Formic.' This robot performs a simple task at Polar Manufacturing where it presses metal slabs into a new shape using a press.
This robot did not replace any jobs at Polar Manufacturing, though, as the factory simply re-allocated its human workers to more important jobs while saving them time on monotonous tasks. On top of this, Polar Manufacturing only pays this robot a wage of $8 per hour, which of course goes to Formic. However, this $8 hourly wage is nearly half of the $15 minimum wage at Polar, meaning this task is now being performed all day for a fraction of the cost of a human worker. Lastly, Polar Manufacturing has stated that it is a fan of leasing the robotic worker because it means Polar did not have to spend tens of thousands of dollars buying and programming its own robot.
Hourly Paid Robot Workers
Formic Leased a Robotic Worker to Polar Manufacturing for an Hourly Wage
Trend Themes
1. Hourly Paid Robot Workers - Robots being leased as employees for hourly wages highlights a trend towards automation in the workforce.
2. Cost-saving Automation Solutions - Automation solutions such as leasing robots are disrupting traditional labor practices and providing cost savings to companies.
3. Low-cost Automated Manufacturing - Robots performing simple tasks at a fraction of the cost of human workers are disrupting the traditional model of labor in manufacturing.
Industry Implications
1. Manufacturing - Manufacturing companies are using robotic workers to improve efficiency, cut labor costs, and perform monotonous tasks.
2. Automation - The automation industry is providing innovative solutions, such as leasing robots, designed to reduce labor costs and streamline processes for businesses.
3. Robotics - The robotics industry is transforming the labor force by offering affordable and cost-saving automation solutions for businesses.