Amazon's Humanoid Robots - A Step Forward or a Step Back?

Amazon is known for being one of the most innovative and influential companies in the world, constantly pushing the boundaries of technology and business. From online shopping to cloud computing, from smart speakers to drones, Amazon has revolutionized many industries and aspects of our lives.

But one of the most controversial and intriguing areas of Amazon’s innovation is robotics.

Amazon has been using robots in its warehouses for years, mainly to automate repetitive and tedious tasks such as moving inventory, sorting packages, and loading trucks. According to Amazon, these robots have helped create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, improved workplace safety, and increased efficiency and customer satisfaction. However, not everyone is happy with Amazon’s robotic workforce. Some critics argue that Amazon is replacing human workers with machines, reducing wages and benefits, and creating a dehumanizing and stressful work environment.

But Amazon is not satisfied with just using wheeled robots that can only operate on flat surfaces. The tech giant is now experimenting with humanoid robots that can walk on two legs, climb stairs, and manipulate objects with arms and hands. These robots are called Digit, and they are designed by Agility Robotics, a company that specializes in bipedal locomotion and manipulation. Amazon is testing Digit in some of its US warehouses, to see if they can work safely and effectively alongside human employees.

What are the benefits of using humanoid robots?

• One of the main advantages of using humanoid robots is that they can perform tasks that are difficult or impossible for wheeled robots to do. For example, Digit can navigate uneven terrain, overcome obstacles, and reach high or low places that are out of reach for other robots. This means that Digit can access more areas of the warehouse, handle more types of inventory, and assist human workers in more ways.
• Another benefit of using humanoid robots is that they can potentially improve the ergonomics and safety of the workplace. Digit can lift heavy items without straining its back or joints, reducing the risk of injury for itself and others. Digit can also work in hazardous environments, such as extreme temperatures or toxic substances, without harming its health or performance. Furthermore, Digit can interact with human workers in a natural and intuitive way, using voice commands, gestures, and facial expressions. This can make communication and collaboration between humans and robots easier and more pleasant. 
• A third benefit of using humanoid robots is that they can enhance the productivity and quality of the service. Digit can work faster and more accurately than human workers, thanks to its advanced sensors, processors, and algorithms. Digit can also work longer hours without getting tired or bored, increasing the output and efficiency of the warehouse. Moreover, Digit can learn from its own experience and other robots, improving its skills and adapting to new situations. This can make Digit more versatile and reliable than human workers.

What are the drawbacks of using humanoid robots?

However, using humanoid robots also has some disadvantages that need to be considered. One of the main drawbacks is that they are very expensive and complex to develop, maintain, and operate. Digit costs about $250,000 per unit, which is much more than other types of robots or human workers. Digit also requires a lot of energy, software updates, repairs, and supervision to function properly. Additionally, Digit faces many technical challenges that are still unsolved or imperfectly solved by current robotics research.

For instance

• Balancing on two legs without falling over
• Avoiding collisions with people or objects
• Grasping and manipulating different shapes and materials
• Dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity
• Cooperating with other robots or humans.

Another drawback of using humanoid robots is that they can have negative social and ethical implications for human workers and society at large.

For example

• Humanoid robots have the potential to replace human workers in many jobs.
• However, their use can have negative effects on human dignity and cause psychological discomfort.
• Additionally, the use of humanoid robots poses security risks and raises legal issues.

How do humanoid robots affect jobs and workers?

One of the most pressing questions that arises from the use of humanoid robots is how they impact jobs and workers. Many people fear that robots will take over their jobs, leaving them unemployed or underemployed. Others hope that robots will create new opportunities for human workers, enhancing their skills and incomes. What does the evidence say?

According to a study by MIT and Boston University, industrial robots have a negative effect on employment and wages in the U.S. The study found that for every robot added per 1,000 workers, wages decline by 0.42% and the employment-to-population ratio goes down by 0.2 percentage points. This means that each additional robot added in manufacturing replaced about 3.3 workers nationally, on average. The study also found that the impact varies by region and industry, with the most affected areas being the Rust Belt and Texas, and the most affected sectors being automotive, electronics, and metal products.

However, not all studies agree on the magnitude and direction of the effect of robots on jobs. A study by Statistics Canada found that firms that adopt robots tend to increase their employment, especially for high-skilled workers.

The study also found that firms that adopt robots tend to increase their productivity, sales, and exports, suggesting positive spillover effects for the economy. Another study by the World Economic Forum predicted that automation will result in a net increase of 58 million jobs globally by 2022, as new roles emerge to complement and augment the capabilities of machines.

The discrepancy between these studies may reflect different methodologies, data sources, time periods, and definitions of robots. It may also reflect different assumptions about how firms, workers, and consumers respond to technological change.

For example

• Firms may adjust their production processes, product mix, or market strategies to take advantage of robots.
• Workers may acquire new skills, switch occupations, or relocate to areas with more job opportunities.
• Consumers may demand more or different goods and services as prices change or preferences evolve.

These responses may create new jobs or enhance existing ones, offsetting or outweighing the displacement effect of robots. However, these responses may also take time, incur costs, or face barriers, limiting or delaying the adjustment process.

Therefore, the net effect of robots on jobs and workers is not clear-cut or uniform. It depends on many factors, such as the type and task of the robot, the industry and location of the firm, the skill and occupation of the worker, and the behavior and preference of the consumer.

How can you prepare for the future of humanoid robots?

As we have seen, humanoid robots are a powerful and promising technology that can bring many benefits and challenges to our society. They can improve the efficiency and quality of our work, but they can also disrupt our labor market and social norms. They can enhance our capabilities and interactions, but they can also create ethical and legal dilemmas. They can enrich our lives, but they can also threaten our security and identity.

How can we cope with these changes and uncertainties? How can we ensure that humanoid robots are used for good and not for evil? How can we make the most of this technology while minimizing its risks? 

There is no simple or definitive answer to these questions, but there are some possible steps that each of us can take to prepare for the future of humanoid robots.

Here are some suggestions 

• Educating ourselves and others about the potential and limitations of humanoid robots, as well as their social and ethical implications, is a good way to start. We can learn from reliable sources, such as scientific journals, books, documentaries, or experts, about how humanoid robots work, what they can and cannot do, and how they affect our society. We can also share our knowledge and opinions with others, through online platforms, social media, or public events, to raise awareness and foster dialogue.
• Adapting our skills and careers to the changing demands of the labor market is another important step. We can acquire new skills or upgrade existing ones that are complementary or superior to those of humanoid robots, such as creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, or emotional intelligence. We can also explore new opportunities or niches that are created by humanoid robots, such as designing, programming, repairing, or supervising them. We can also seek guidance or support from professional counselors, mentors, or peers to help us navigate the transition.
• Participating in the regulation and governance of humanoid robots is a crucial step as well. We can voice our concerns and preferences to the relevant authorities, such as governments, corporations, or organizations, that are responsible for developing, deploying, or overseeing humanoid robots. We can also join or support initiatives or movements that advocate for the rights and interests of human workers and consumers in relation to humanoid robots. We can also vote for or elect representatives who share our vision and values on this issue.
• Embracing the diversity and novelty that humanoid robots bring to our society is a rewarding step too. We can appreciate the benefits and advantages that humanoid robots offer to us, such as improving our productivity, safety, or convenience. We can also respect and cooperate with humanoid robots as our partners or colleagues, rather than as our competitors or enemies. We can also enjoy and celebrate the creativity and innovation that humanoid robots inspire in us.

Let's wrap it up

The technology of humanoid robots is fascinating and complex and has the potential to transform our society in numerous ways. Their impact, however, can be both positive and negative, affecting our work, life, and culture. As individuals and as a collective, we face various opportunities and challenges with the development of humanoid robots. To navigate this, we need to be informed, adaptable, proactive, and open-minded.

The future of humanoid robots is not predetermined or inevitable. It depends on how we create, use, and regulate them. It also depends on how we respond to them emotionally, intellectually, and morally.

We have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of humanoid robots according to our vision and values. We have the choice and the chance to make it better future for ourselves and others.

 

Thank you for reading.

 

Best,

Nexa-Hub