AI Job Fears Rise, Ex-Tesla Scientist Builds Humanoid Robots To Cut Labour Costs

Artificial

intelligence is taking over human jobs. This is not a thing for the future but it has already started to take place. However, it is not only restricted to offices. Now, the focus is rapidly shifting to factory floors, warehouses and even homes. An ex-Tesla scientist is building a new generation of AI-powered humanoid robots to perform physical tasks to tackle the rising labour costs, as per Bloomberg.

AI Robot Designed For Factories And Warehouses

Rémi Cadene, an ex-Tesla engineer who worked on Elon Musk’s Optimus robot, has unveiled plans for a new humanoid robot called Northstar through his Paris based startup, UMA.The AI-powered robot is being developed for manufacturing plants, logistic warehouses, and eventually, homes. As per Cadene, Europe will be the first market for Northstar as companies look for ways to deal with rising labour costs and an ageing workforce.

He told Bloomberg, “Labor costs are very high and, given the demographic trends, there will be significant demand.” He added that the startup is already discussing potential use cases with around 50 customers. UMA recently showcased an early Northstar prototype at its Paris headquarters. During the demonstration, Cadene reportedly pushed the metallic robot with a stick to show how it could maintain balance and respond to external movement.The startup plans to build a proof-of-concept version by the end of this year. Unlike conventional humanoids, the first version will move on wheels instead of legs and will feature a flexible outer covering similar to protective workwear. The robot is expected to weigh nearly 40 kg.Instead of being programmed separately for every task, Northstar uses what UMA calls real-time learning. This robot can watch demonstrations, learn a new skill and improve through practice using AI. "This is how a child learns to tie his shoelaces, first by being taught how to do it, then improving by practicing," said Cadene.AI moves beyond software and into physical machines, the debate is about chatbots replacing desk jobs. The bigger question arises how factories, warehouses and other workplaces handle the growing concern that humanoid robots could reduce the need for human labour.