Transforming the Factory Floor with Technology

These videos describe present advances in robotic surgery and forecast other ways automation will change the way humans live and work in both the near and not too distant future.

Video 1: 3:17 min: daVinci Robotic Surgery
Video 2: 15:11 min: Robots and AI [2018 video]
- Video 2A: 1:44 min: Walmart's Wake-Up Call on AI [October 2025 video]
Video 3: 2:42 min: Better Than Us

After reviewing Section 10.7, watch all four linked videos. In the first video, Sutter Health shows how computer-aided surgery improves outcomes for hernia surgery, demonstrating how robotics can be a positive force for humanity.

I can speak first hand about the benefits of this type of surgery, having undergone three surgeries in the past seven years with robotic assists. My most recent surgery was a left knee total replacement using the Kinematic personalized knee replacement system. I paid $7,000 out-of-pocket for this personalized knee but the difference with my right knee is significant - first my orthopedic surgeon came to my bedside PRIOR to my surgery to tell me that he'd "already performed the surgery based on a computer-generated 3-D interactive video with the use of 3-D goggles..." After the surgery I was up and hiking again 3x faster than the right knee replaced two years earlier and seven months after surgery I was able to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc, a 105-mile trek in ten stages around the massif of Mont Blanc that includes nearly 70,000' of total elevation gains/losses. In this case, the robotic assist improved my outcome and recovery speed without any job loss and in fact with new jobs created to perform the imaging and computer-assisted design. One cannot predict this will be the outcome in all cases, in fact it is highly unlikely. But as with any changing technology, there are winners and losers in terms of employment and for sure I was a winner in terms of my personal outcome.

The second video, from 2018, examines several areas, including self-driving vehicles, where automation will likely improve some aspects of life, but will also most probably cause serious disruptions in the workforce of the near future. And the third video [2A] brings us up to date with Walmart's plans, announced in October 2025, adopting AI and robotics at full throttle.

The final video is a trailer for a Netflix show originally produced in Russia called Better Than Us. This show imagines a not too distant future where lifelike robots will be commonplace in the world, but where there are also militant groups who wish to destroy them as threat to workers and others in society.

After viewing all these videos, think about the future. Is automatic inevitable? Will robots continue to replace people in the workforce, perhaps even lifelike versions made to resemble human beings? Is robotics a good thing when it comes to factories, surgery, or performing dangerous or dirty jobs? But what about job losses? What do you think are the pros and cons of the growth of intelligent machines?

Video 1: 3:17 min: daVinci Robotic Surgery - Transcript

The video above presents an insightful exploration of robotic surgery, focusing on its transformative impact on patient care, particularly in the treatment of complex hernias. Surgeons Rockson Liu and Daniel Davis describe robotic surgery as a highly sophisticated form of laparoscopic surgery that integrates computer technology with a surgeon’s skill, allowing for greater precision and enhanced visualization inside the body. This innovation has revolutionized surgical procedures by enabling minimally invasive techniques that result in less pain, reduced blood loss, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays. The story of Carol Rose-Guerin, a patient with a large incisional hernia, highlights the practical benefits of robotic surgery. Despite the complexity of her condition, she underwent a successful robotic repair through small incisions, avoiding extensive open surgery. Her quick recovery and absence of postoperative pain underscore the advantages of robotic-assisted procedures. The video also emphasizes the importance of having not just advanced robotic equipment but also expert surgeons and dedicated teams to achieve outstanding outcomes. The facility’s recognition as a case observation mentor epicenter by Intuitive Surgical, the maker of the da Vinci robot, illustrates their leadership in advancing robotic hernia repair techniques. Ultimately, robotic surgery is portrayed as a significant leap forward in surgical care, enhancing the capabilities of human surgeons and improving patient experiences and outcomes.

Video 2: 15:11 min: Robots and AI - Transcript

The video above FROM 2018 explores the rapid advancement of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) and their profound impact on jobs and society, signaling what many call a new industrial revolution. It highlights how automation is already reshaping industries—from factories and warehouses to service sectors like fast food and security—and accelerating towards driverless vehicles and medical AI. Up to 73 million jobs in the U.S. alone could be vulnerable to automation by 2030. The narrative emphasizes the mixed feelings among workers, particularly truck drivers and gig economy workers, about the looming threat of job displacement. While technology promises increased efficiency, safety, and productivity, there is a strong concern about societal preparedness, job loss, and the need for strategic policymaking. The discussion extends to white-collar professions such as radiology, law, and finance, showing that automation is not limited to blue-collar roles. The video concludes by stressing the urgency of addressing the social and economic consequences of automation, forecasting a future where robots become ubiquitous and human roles dramatically shift, if not disappear.

Video 2a: 1:44 min: OCT 2025: Walmart's Wake-up Call on AI and How You Can Prepare - Transcript

Here is a current update about Walmart's embrace of robotics and AI in October 2025 - as the largest private employer in America (2.1 million workers), Walmart's plans will potentially disrupt all jobs in America.

The CEO of Walmart has issued a stark warning about the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the global workforce, emphasizing that AI will fundamentally change every job in the world and lead to the elimination of many roles. Despite these shifts, Walmart plans to maintain its global workforce size of just over two million employees over the next three years, though the nature of work will evolve significantly. This shift is already visible to consumers through AI chatbots and AI-driven search tools, and it is also occurring behind the scenes in many industries. Walmart is not alone in this outlook; other major corporations, including Ford, predict substantial job displacement due to AI, with half of all U.S. white-collar workers potentially impacted. However, there is a silver lining: according to the World Economic Forum, AI is expected to create 170 million new jobs globally over the next five years, which will partly offset the 92 million jobs predicted to be lost. The demand for AI-related roles is already surging, with job listings for AI-specific roles more than doubling between 2023 and 2024. While the rapid AI adoption can be intimidating, experts advise individuals to proactively learn and engage with AI technologies such as ChatGPT and AI search engines to stay ahead of the curve. Embracing AI rather than resisting it is crucial for navigating the future workforce landscape.

Video 3: 2:42 min: Better Than Us - Transcript