Robotics and the Fear of Change: Are We Ready?
Robotics and the Fear of Change: Are We Ready?
Technological development has reached unprecedented levels. A clear example is the Tesla Optimus Gen 2, a humanoid robot that not only amazes with its capabilities but also represents the beginning of an era where robotics is not just a tool but an integral part of our daily lives.
In its recent event, Tesla showcased Optimus Gen 2 serving drinks, interacting with the audience, and performing tasks that seemed impossible for a robot just a few years ago. With an estimated price between $20,000 and $30,000, it is not difficult to imagine a near future where these machines are in our homes, performing household tasks or even taking care of our loved ones. Are we ready for this change? What does this mean for us as a society?
The Parallel with Science Fiction: "I, Robot" Becoming Reality
It’s impossible not to think of works like "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov. The 2004 film, starring Will Smith, shows us a world where robots are already part of daily life, but with a warning: the conflict that arises when machines start making decisions based purely on logic, forgetting the emotional complexities of humans.
Today, robotics has advanced so much that artificial intelligence (AI) can learn, adapt, and make real-time decisions, as demonstrated by Tesla’s Optimus Gen 2. But, just like in fiction, this advancement raises an uncomfortable question: what happens when the logic and efficiency of machines surpass our emotional capacity to handle difficult decisions?
This process of assimilating robotics into our daily lives has not only been seen in science fiction but is already happening in reality. A notable case is , Akihiko Kondo a Japanese man who married Hatsune Miku, a hologram, in 2018. This marriage symbolizes how the boundary between humans and technology is becoming increasingly blurred, sparking debates about the emotional and ethical implications of our growing reliance on technology.
The Movie "AI" and the Intimate Access of Robotics
The movie "AI: Artificial Intelligence", directed by Steven Spielberg, presented a future where robots not only performed household tasks but were given access to the most intimate and emotional aspects of human life. In the film, a robot child, David, is accepted by a family who is dealing with the illness of their biological son, showing how robotics could fill emotional voids and meet deep human needs.
These types of scenarios, where robotics takes on roles we once considered exclusively human, are beginning to become a reality. Today, it is no longer unthinkable for robots to perform intimate functions, as proposed by the Japanese company Gatebox, which markets holograms as virtual companions. The combination of robotics and AI is breaking social and cultural barriers, raising the uncomfortable question: how far are we willing to go in this relationship with technology?
The Fear of Job Displacement and the Reality of Cobots
Another concern is the competition between humans and robots. Although developers insist that robots are not meant to "replace" jobs but to complement human work, the reality is that many repetitive and dangerous tasks are already being automated.
A recent report on collaborative robotics (cobots) highlighted how these robots, which work side by side with humans, are revolutionizing productivity in factories and production lines. Instead of replacing humans, cobots allow workers to focus on more skilled and creative tasks, which in turn generates better-paying jobs.
The challenge, as always, lies in the transition. Companies will need to train their employees and redefine their production models. However, as we have seen in the 2024 World Robot Conference in China, the change is inevitable. With over 774 companies showcasing humanoid robots and a transaction volume exceeding 26.9 billion yuan, the reality is that the world of robotics is already here, and we cannot ignore it.
Industrial Future and Changes in the Global Balance of Power
South Korea has demonstrated the impact of cobots in industries such as automotive and the defense sector. With a ratio of 855 robots per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry, the country has achieved remarkable growth in its productive capacity, improving its global competitiveness.
Thanks to this integration, sectors like defense have increased their production capacity by 25%, while operational costs have been reduced by 30%. This progress positions South Korea as a key player in the industrial landscape, potentially shifting the balance of power in various regions.
With these advances, it is inevitable that countries leading in industrial robotics will establish themselves as global powers in strategic sectors. As robotics continues to expand, we could see significant changes in geopolitics, where automated production and technical efficiency determine a nation’s influence on the global stage.
China and Leadership in Robotics: A Future Monopoly?
China is not only a leader in robot production but also holds 66% of the world’s patents in robotics. The country has heavily invested in developing robots for industry, medicine, and even daily life. If we observe its role in the 2024 World Robot Conference, it is clear that China is positioning itself as the dominant power in this field.
What does this mean for the rest of the world? On one hand, China’s leadership in robotics presents an opportunity for other nations to learn and adapt. On the other hand, China’s technological dominance could create economic and labor tensions, as countries that do not embrace robotics risk falling behind.
With robotics and automation increasingly dominating various sectors, China could be at the forefront of a new global order, where the ability to mass-produce with a mechanized workforce reshapes global economies. Its advancements in patents, the massive installation of industrial robots, and its leadership in robotic innovation could make the world even more dependent on its production capabilities.
Conclusion: Change is Inevitable
The advance of robotics is inevitable. Just like the industrial revolution, those who adapt to change will thrive, while those who cling to the past will fall behind. The Optimus Gen 2, cobots, and humanoid robots showcased in China are just the beginning of a new era.
It is natural to fear the unknown, but as Darwin said, "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most adaptable to change." Today more than ever, we must apply that lesson and prepare for a future where robots are our companions, not our competitors.
