automation

At the 2025 World Robot Conference, Unitree Robotics founder Wang Xingxing discussed the potential for taxing robots as they enter the workforce. He suggested taxing robots based on their generated value, even proposing their use in undeveloped land with output shared with the state, contingent on advanced capabilities. He also addressed price differences in Unitree’s robot models, stating that smaller, less sophisticated robots would be more affordable, aiming for wider adoption through tiered pricing strategy.

Regal Rexnord (RRX) declared a $0.35 quarterly dividend, payable October 14, 2025, to shareholders of record on September 30, maintaining a payout streak since 1961. The company, with 30,000 employees globally, focuses on sustainable solutions for powering, transmitting, and controlling motion across diverse sectors like automation, food & beverage, aerospace, medical tech, and energy. Regal Rexnord operates through three segments and emphasizes long-term growth potential through its diversified portfolio.

SF Express is partnering with public transit in China to optimize last-mile delivery. By establishing distribution points in bus stations, like the new Chengdu service, delivery times are reduced by an average of 30 minutes. The station aims to handle over 2,000 packages daily, servicing a wide area. In Zhengzhou, SF Express is piloting using idle bus capacity for overnight package transport. Automation and integrated logistics hubs are further enhancing efficiency and coverage, suggesting a broader integration of logistics into urban infrastructure.

American corporate leaders are increasingly open about AI’s potential to displace jobs. CEOs from Ford, JPMorgan Chase, and Amazon are predicting significant workforce reductions due to AI integration and automation. Experts suggest this shift reflects a growing private acknowledgment by executives of AI’s disruptive impact on human capital, with some warning that nearly all roles could be affected.

Amazon has deployed over one million robots globally, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and delivery speed. These robots, powered by AI and managed by the DeepFleet system, operate in over 300 fulfillment centers. Amazon is training employees to work alongside robots, aiming for a 10% reduction in fleet operational time. Despite supply chain challenges, the company is heavily investing in AI, expecting its widespread impact across industries.

At the Snowflake Summit 2025, Sam Altman warned that AI is rapidly replacing entry-level employees, with companies using AI agents for foundational tasks. Studies show a 25% hiring drop for junior roles at tech giants. Experts predict substantial job displacement and potential mass unemployment within the next five years. The CEOs of OpenAI and Anthropic emphasize the urgent need to address this evolving workforce transformation.