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My time testing warehouse bots changed my mind on job displacement fears
I just finished a contract optimizing logistics robots for a major retailer. Honestly, I believe automation in these roles creates more higher-skilled positions than it eliminates, counter to the common narrative. Does anyone have data or experiences that challenge this?
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hannahk627mo ago
Honestly, I appreciate your perspective, but my brother's experience in a similar automated warehouse paints a different picture. The new technician roles they created required certifications he couldn't afford on his old wages, and they hired externally instead of upskilling the existing team. The math of creating a few higher-skilled positions doesn't quite balance out when you've eliminated dozens of picker and packer jobs that supported families. The transition is far from automatic for the people actually being displaced.
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miles3127mo ago
@hannahk62's point on the transition not being automatic hits hard. Companies talk upskilling but just cut costs.
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karenlee7mo ago
Not all companies skip upskilling like that. Many actually partner with community colleges for affordable certification paths.
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