Will robotics help level the cost of goods between the U.S. and China

[bobcat]

While it may never be completely equal, it just might re-shuffle the deck.
When you think about it, robotics in manufacturing would cost close to the same no matter where they are operating.
They can work 24/7 (Except for maintenance), and don't need heat or even require much lighting.
They don't require a salary, or benefits, health coverage, and are less prone to errors.
The cost of robots are expected to decrease by half in the next 3 years, and the ROI for one is about 1 1/2 yrs.
If we get to the point where robots can even build robots, that would make it even cheaper, and when you throw in AI to the mix, who knows what may be possible.
We aren't there presently, so perhaps bad timing on a trade war, but in the near future, might that change?
It would be a blow to workers, but it's coming nonetheless.

 

[dilettante]

Automation is already a big factor in manufacturing, even 30 years ago but even more so in the past 10 years. There is probably no reason to expect the trend to pause.

The "trade war" has been overemphasized by politicized media, but it's just part of a more generalized deglobalization and reindustrialization. The process can reap other benefits, such as spending less on escalating costly military systems. Less trade, less shipping. Less shipping, less policing. As well as less fuel consumption, pollution, and the other negatives that come along with it like introducing destructive invasive species.

This doesn't have to mean fewer jobs. It could mean shorter work weeks, more vacation time, etc. All positives from sharing the gains from higher productivity.

Of course it could put noses out of joint in the asset class and the paperpushers parasitizing trade. Oh well! After all, they told factory workers to "adapt or die" right?

 

[smiley]

on the factory floor fine - apart from taking the bread out of the mouths of hardworking men and women but when they become part of my home life like robotic butler and maid - then that will be scary

 

[NotCompSavvy]

on the factory floor fine - apart from taking the bread out of the mouths of hardworking men and women but when they become part of my home life like robotic butler and maid - then that will be scary

Agree , AI '' robots '' or whatever called are going to replace much of the labor force and already have .

I would not mind a West World theme park where I could be a gunslinger .

 

[spectratg]

Robotics can significantly impact the Cost of Goods Manufactured (COGM) by reducing labor costs, increasing efficiency, and minimizing waste. However, initial investment costs in robots and related infrastructure must also be considered. In the long term, robotics often leads to lower overall manufacturing expenses due to increased productivity and reduced errors.

 

[Harry Le Hermit]

One of the fascinating things about robotics and automation replacing humans... is the cost savings generally are pocketed. Another oddity is offshoring of production to cheap labor, did not mean the cost per unit fell. Only the original investment cost drops, and in case of new product development... much of the manual equipment and tooling is simple to adjust.

 

[Lawrence00]

Was thinking about this. There are child labor and slavery style jobs overseas that stitch and assemble etc.

With a USA robotics manufacturing workforce, the offshore laborers that work for pennies could be replaced. The below link is not manufacturing robots, but a glimpse of what already exists today.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

Mu understanding is that China produces things and the US produces food-grains, etc. I guess both could use robots to do work, which should cut down on costs.

 

[Aunt Bea]

We’ll probably end up buying the robots from China.

Each technological advance, that increases productivity and decreases overhead, gives someone an edge until the next technological advance comes along.

We need to find a way to coexist in a global economy or we need to shut ourselves off from the rest of the world and become self sufficient.

My preference would be to find a way for all of us to thrive in a global economy.

IMO we need to develop honesty and trust among the nations of the world more than we need robots or AI but I’m not optimistic.

 

[bobcat]

Robots are becoming more capable, flexible, and cost-effective, with embodied agents bringing the power of generative AI into the factory environment. Most factory processes involve repetitive tasks, making it technically feasible and profitable for robots to perform. The traditional approach of training robots for single tasks is becoming obsolete.

AI driven and orchestrated factories could respond to consumer demand in real time by having an automated workforce that can step up production or shut down unnecessary workbots as needed, and since they can work pretty much 24/7, orders could be filled much quicker than needing them to be ordered months in advance and shipped across the ocean before needing to be stored in large warehouses until they are needed.

I think "Lights Out" factories may be the manufacturing future. China seems to be embracing it, and I think if we can do the same, the cost of goods shouldn't be that drastic of a comparison. It may be our only path forward without affecting the pocketbook of American consumers. Something to think about anyway.