Foxconn manufactures Apple’s devices like iPhone and iPad, Samsung’s Galaxy Series devices, Sony’s Playstation 4 including other devices from the reputed tech brands. “We are applying robotics engineering and other innovative manufacturing technologies to replace repetitive tasks previously done by employees, and through training, also enable our employees to focus on higher value-added elements in the manufacturing process, such as research and development, process control and quality control,” according to the statement. “We will continue to harness automation and manpower in our manufacturing operations, and we expect to maintain our significant workforce in China.” “The Foxconn factory has reduced its employee strength from 110,000 to 50,000, thanks to the introduction of robots. It has tasted success in reduction of labour costs.” It seems that the major tech companies are adopting robots instead of labor force. The debate regarding the adoption of robots is making headlines in the US with the former CEO of McDonalds, En Rensi saying “It’s cheaper to buy a $35,000 robotic arm than it is to hire an employee who’s inefficient making $15 an hour bagging french fries.” Foxconn has taking steps to replace labourers with robots for a long time. It is likely that the company is taking this step to increase profit and save money. No doubt, Robots are going to make our work more easier and faster, but at the same time it can give rise to unemployment crisis across the world. Robots could leave more than half of the population Jobless in the next 30 years, according to a computer scientist who said that Artificial Intelligence’s threat to the economy should not be underestimated.
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