Journal of Policy Analysis and Management · 2026 · Lindsay Jacobs、Bilge Mutlu、Robert G. Radwin、Timothy M. Smeeding
中文摘要
以自动化和机器人形式出现的资本替代已使许多美国制造业工人失业,尤其是那些没有大学学位的工人。然而,这未必是未来的必由之路。我们认为,当前正是政策更加重视协作机器人(即“cobots”)的有利时机——这类机器人的设计初衷是补充而非替代体力劳动,同时提高生产率。为释放这一潜力,政策必须恰当对齐激励、支持培训,并解决监测与隐私等常被忽视的问题。通过跨学科的视角,我们考察了协作机器人部署的现状,并描述了设计良好的工作任务与精心整合的协作机器人相结合,如何在改善人体工学和提升生产率的同时保住就业机会。旨在重新引导投资的战略性政策措施可以平衡制造商的需求,同时确保稳定就业、更高工资和更安全的工作场所。通过明智而审慎的政策,协作机器人的采用可以标志着技术进步的新阶段,同时避免过去自动化与离岸外包所带来的代价高昂的错位。
Abstract
ABSTRACT Substitution of capital in the form of automation and robotics has displaced many American manufacturing workers, especially those without college degrees. However, this need not be the path forward. We argue that now is an opportune time for greater policy emphasis on collaborative robots, or “cobots,” which are designed to complement rather than replace manual labor while raising productivity. To realize this potential, policies must properly align incentives, support training, and address often overlooked issues such as monitoring and privacy. Through an interdisciplinary lens, we examine the current state of cobot deployment and describe how well‐designed job tasks, paired with carefully integrated cobots, can preserve employment opportunities while improving ergonomics and enhancing productivity. Strategic policy measures aimed at redirecting investments can balance manufacturers' needs while ensuring stable employment, higher wages, and safer workplaces. With informed and deliberate policy, the adoption of cobots can mark a new phase of technological progress while averting the costly dislocations that accompanied past automation and offshoring.