Pandemic Putting Robots to Work

Pandemic Escalating Use of Robots

Source:  CDC.Gov.

Robots Don't Get Sick

The coronavirus pandemic is

accelerating the global use

of robots.  The virus is so

highly contagious that it is

changing consumer preferences

for human interaction, for instance

with a retail clerk.  Dealing with

a robot worker, that doesn't 

cough or sneeze, is a lot

safer.  Experts say the

pandemic is rapidly

expanding work opportunities

for robots.

McKinsey Forecast

A forecast by the global consultants

McKinsey predicts that 1/3 of

US workers will be replaced

by robots by 2030.  The 

pandemic is now accelerating

that trend.

Global Trends

Many companies are

now expanding their

use of robots to foster

social distancing and to

cut the number of staff

who have to physically

come to work. For instance,

Walmart is using robots to

clean and sanitize their floors.

In Wuhan, China a smart

field hospital for COVID-19

patients was completely

run by robots, controlled by

medical staff in a safe, 

remote location.  In South

Korea, robots are dispensing

hand sanitizers and taking

temperatures. With experts

saying social distancing may

be necessary through 2021,

the demand for health care

robots is expected to dramatically

rise.  

Multiple Robotic Uses

Robots are being deployed

for a myriad of tasks since

the pandemic broke.  Ultraviolet

light disinfecting robots are 

being shipped to hospitals in

Europe and China.  As we

start getting back to normal,

we're likely to see them cleaning

our offices and schools. Restaurants

and grocery stores are expanding

their use of robots.  With the

priority being the health and

safety of workers and customers,

we're witnessing the rise of the

robotic workforce.  In their

warehouses, Amazon and Walmart

already utilize thousands of

robots.  They're planning on 

deploying thousands more.

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