Robots may be a danger to the jobs of logistics workers; if it is up to Minister Kamp, we should welcome robots with open arms. In a speech at industry fair Hannover Messe, the Economy Minister stated that Europe needs to develop more robots.
"Developments such as robotisation and 3D printing offer the manufacturing industry many opportunities to develop new products and services," Minister Kamp said.
European economy grows by 110 billion euros
To achieve this, countries within the European Union need to harmonise digital market rules. Research would show that the European economy could grow by €110 billion annually if the potential of ICT for industry was better exploited.
Read also: The warehouse worker versus the robot. Who wins?
Robots are more reliable and cheaper
Kamp's statement is fairly striking, as the coverage of robots is often negative. Experts previously argued that warehouse workers will no longer be needed in the future because robots will take their work off their hands. Even Social Affairs Minister Lodewijk Asscher argued that robots will cause paid work to disappear. Certainly warehouse workers should fear for their jobs. "Robots are more reliable and cheaper. They are fast, never sick, work 24 hours a day, never ask for wage increases and are not represented by trade unions," Asscher said.
Kamp acknowledged that some jobs are at risk due to emerging robotisation, but on the other hand, the developments would also offer opportunities. "If we do it right, jobs will even be created," he said in the NOS Radio 1 Journaal.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
