# Hourly Paid Robot Workers Formic Leased a Robotic Worker to Polar Manufacturing for an Hourly Wage By Colin Smith | Published 2022-01-19 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/formic References: [wired](https://www.wired.com/story/rent-robot-worker-less-paying-human/) & [formic.co](https://formic.co/)  'Polar Manufacturing,' the Chicago-based [metalworking company](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heavy-industrial-manufacturing), has leased a [simple robotic worker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/engineai-robotics) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oversonic-robotics) because it means Polar did not have to spend tens of thousands of dollars buying and programming its own robot. Image Credit: Formic ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Hourly Paid Robot Workers:** Robots being leased as employees for hourly wages highlights a trend towards automation in the workforce. - **Cost-saving Automation Solutions:** Automation solutions such as leasing robots are disrupting traditional labor practices and providing cost savings to companies. - **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. ### Where This Applies - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturing companies are using robotic workers to improve efficiency, cut labor costs, and perform monotonous tasks. - **Automation:** The automation industry is providing innovative solutions, such as leasing robots, designed to reduce labor costs and streamline processes for businesses. - **Robotics:** The robotics industry is transforming the labor force by offering affordable and cost-saving automation solutions for businesses. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tech-Focused Service-Based Staffing Frameworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/servicebased-staffing-framework.md) - [AI-to-Human Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rentahuman.md) - [Pneumatic Suction Factory Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickle-robot-company.md) - [Humanoid Chore Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mindon-unitree-g1.md) - [Automated Enterprise Laundry Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watney-robotics.md) - [Humanoid Household Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1x-neo.md) - [Workplace Robot Trials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workplace-robot-trials-boston-dynamics-spot-robot-ensure-equipment-efficien.md) - [Warehouse-Ready Humanoid Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apptronik-apollo.md) - [Robot-Focused Supply Agreements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oversonic-robotics.md)