Foxconn, supplier for tech giants Apple and Samsung, reportedly replaced 60,000 factory workers with robots. The replacement is part of an ongoing process of automating many of the manufacturing tasks associated with Foxconn’s operations.
“We are applying robotics engineering and other innovative manufacturing technologies to replace repetitive tasks previously done by employees, and through training, also enable our employees to focus on higher value-added elements in the manufacturing process, such as research and development, process control and quality control,” a Foxconn spokesperson told BBC.
“We will continue to harness automation and manpower in our manufacturing operations, and we expect to maintain our significant workforce in China.”
Although there will be long-term job losses, Foxconn still employs about 1.2 million people.
Foxconn is currently in charge of manufacturing parts for Apple’s iPad and iPhone as well as Samsung’s Galaxy phone line. Sony’s PlayStation 4 is also under the company’s manufacturing.
Xu Yulian, the head of publicity for the Kunshan region, said that more companies will most likely follow suit since China is investing a lot in its robot workforce.
Since September 2014, about 500 factories in the Guangdong province have invested more than $600 million in robots meant to replace workers. NYDaily
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