Connect with us

Tech

AI-Powered Robots: Big Tech’s Answer to the Global Labor Shortage

Published

on

AI-Powered Robots: Big Tech's Answer to the Global Labor Shortage

AI-powered robots are making waves in Silicon Valley, with industry giants like Tesla, Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia investing billions into “humanoid” robots designed to perform human tasks. These robots, typically standing on two legs, are currently used in warehouses but have the potential to work alongside people in homes and offices.

The Visionaries and Their Robots

Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk is a major proponent, touting the Optimus robot as a game-changer that could transform the world even more significantly than Tesla’s cars. Musk envisions Optimus driving Tesla to a $25 trillion market cap, becoming a core part of the company’s long-term value. Similarly, Amazon supports Agility Robotics and has started using its Digit robots in fulfillment centers.

Market Potential and Growth

According to Goldman Sachs, the market for humanoid robots is projected to reach $38 billion over the next two decades. These robots are expected to become essential devices, much like smartphones or electric vehicles, playing crucial roles in manufacturing, dangerous tasks, elderly care, and addressing labor shortages in factories.

Advertisement

Technological Advancements

Humanoid robots have been in development for decades, but recent advances in artificial intelligence have renewed industry optimism. AI technologies, such as those behind OpenAI’s ChatGPT, enable robots to understand language, interpret commands, and make decisions. Equipped with computer vision, these robots are trained in real-world scenarios, enhancing their functionality.

Addressing Labor Shortages

A global labor shortage is fueling interest in humanoid robots. In the U.S., there are approximately 8.5 million job vacancies, with a significant gap in manufacturing, where Goldman Sachs estimates a shortage of 500,000 workers, potentially growing to 2 million by 2030. Robots are seen as ideal for filling monotonous and dangerous jobs.

“We’re starting in what we call the dull, dirty, dangerous tasks, these tasks where we have big labor shortages today, where we don’t have people to do this work,” said Jeff Cardenas, CEO and co-founder of robot startup Apptronik.

Advertisement

Global Competition

China leads the world in industrial robot installations, surpassing Japan in 2013 and now accounting for over half the global total, according to Stanford’s AI Index Report. Tom Andersson, principal analyst at Styleintelligence, noted that China’s market dominance is unparalleled, with only Amazon in the West having comparable capabilities. However, Chinese companies are quickly advancing.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, several challenges remain. The high cost of these machines and safety concerns about their use in factories are significant hurdles. “When it comes to mass adoption or even something closely resembling mass adoption, I think we’ll have to wait quite a few years. Probably a decade at least,” Andersson said. “Sorry, Musk.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tech

Geeksvillage Marks 11th Anniversary

Published

on

Geeksvillage Marks 11th Anniversary
Geeksvillage Marks 11th Anniversary

In a remarkable celebration of innovation and dedication, Geeksvillage has proudly announced its 11th anniversary, marking over a decade of transformative impact in the business world.

Founded with a mission to empower SMEs and help them reach international standards, Geeksvillage has consistently provided businesses with tools and solutions that have enabled them to thrive. From affordable web design services to innovative digital strategies, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for growth and success.

Geeksvillage Marks 11th Anniversary Statement

In a statement shared online, Geeksvillage expressed gratitude to its clients and supporters:

Advertisement

“Today, we celebrate not just a milestone but 11 years of passion, innovation, and relentless dedication. For the past 11 years, we have helped SMEs grow into international standards and given businesses the wings to soar. This achievement belongs to everyone who has been part of our story.”

The statement particularly acknowledged the role of its clients, whose patronage has been the cornerstone of the company’s journey.

Geeksvillage also took the opportunity to thank its supportive community for standing by them through the years, underscoring the collective effort that has driven their success.

Advertisement

Reflecting on its journey, the company highlighted the challenges that shaped its evolution and the accomplishments that fueled its growth. As Geeksvillage looks to the future, it remains committed to delivering excellence and empowering businesses on a larger scale.

With 11 years in the bag and countless possibilities ahead, Geeksvillage invites everyone to celebrate this milestone and join them in building an even brighter future.

Here’s to Geeksvillage – 11 years of transforming businesses and counting!

Advertisement

Article you may also like: How To Stop Hacking

Continue Reading

Tech

Amazon Launches Haul to Rival Low-Cost Giants Temu and Shein

Published

on

Amazon Launches Haul to Rival Low-Cost Giants Temu and Shein

Amazon has unveiled a new budget-friendly outlet called Haul, aiming to capture the market share of low-cost retailers such as Temu and Shein. Announced on Wednesday, Haul is a mobile-only shopping experience within Amazon’s Shopping app, exclusively available to US customers.

The standout feature of Haul is its price cap, with all products available for $20 (approximately £15.79) or less. The platform promises “crazy low prices” for goods that may take up to two weeks for delivery—a strategy mirroring the business models that have driven the rapid growth of its Chinese rivals.

Temu and Shein have seen explosive growth in recent years by offering inexpensive items with extended shipping times. However, they have also faced scrutiny for their environmental impact and alleged exploitation of import loopholes. “Temu and Shein have faced backlash both for taking advantage of import loopholes and for being wasteful and environmentally irresponsible,” said Sucharita Kodali, a retail analyst at Forrester. Kodali noted that Amazon Haul could face similar challenges.

Advertisement

Despite these potential pitfalls, Amazon is focusing on low-cost offerings with products priced significantly below the $20 cap. The company cited examples such as a three-piece razor set and a necklace, bracelet, and earring set, each priced at under $3. To further attract shoppers, Amazon is offering free shipping on orders over $25, with expected delivery times between one and two weeks.

“Finding great products at very low prices is important to customers, and we continue to explore ways that we can work with our selling partners so they can offer products at ultra-low prices,” said Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon’s vice president of worldwide selling partner services. Mehta emphasized that the Haul shopping experience is still in its “beta” phase, with plans to refine and expand the platform based on user feedback.

Haul also promises that all listed products will be backed by Amazon’s product guarantees, ensuring consumer confidence in product safety. The move comes as global regulators increasingly monitor platforms that push mass-produced goods at exceptionally low prices. For instance, the European Commission initiated action against Temu in October over concerns about illegal product sales.

Advertisement

“It’s still early days,” Mehta stated, adding that Amazon will assess customer feedback to adapt and improve the service in the coming months.

With Haul, Amazon is making its most significant foray yet into the competitive market for ultra-affordable, slower-shipping products—a market that has upended conventional retail practices and attracted millions of budget-conscious shoppers worldwide.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Tech

Tesla Surpasses $1 Trillion Market Cap Following Trump Election Win

Published

on

Tesla Surpasses $1 Trillion Market Cap Following Trump Election Win

Tesla’s stock surged over 10% in Friday afternoon trading, propelling the electric vehicle giant’s market capitalization past the $1 trillion mark. This significant gain followed a week where Tesla shares jumped by approximately 27%, spurred by Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election and investor optimism about how his administration might benefit Tesla. CEO Elon Musk has been a prominent Trump supporter, contributing at least $130 million to pro-Trump campaign efforts.

Tesla’s market capitalization stood at $807.1 billion at Tuesday’s close before this week’s rally. With the latest surge, the company’s stock has increased about 29% for the year. Tesla now rejoins a select group of tech powerhouses worth over $1 trillion, including Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta, with most of these companies exceeding $2 trillion in value. Tesla initially crossed the $1 trillion threshold in October 2021.

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives noted that Trump’s potential administration could reduce regulatory pressures on Tesla and other firms. “Tesla has the scale and scope that is unmatched in the EV industry,” Ives wrote in a client note, suggesting that a shift away from EV subsidies combined with increased tariffs on Chinese EV competitors like BYD and Nio could give Tesla a stronger foothold in the U.S. market.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending