AI Robots to Surpass Human Workforce in Coming Decades
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 23 2026
0mins
Should l Buy ROK?
Source: CNBC
- Surge in AI Robots: Former Citi executive Rob Garlick predicts that the number of AI robots will reach 1.3 billion by 2035 and exceed 4 billion by 2050, indicating that the relentless pursuit of cost-cutting by firms will lead to the replacement of human labor.
- Short Payback Period: A Citi report reveals that a $15,000 robot can break even in just 3.8 weeks when replacing a $41 per hour human job, showcasing the significant economic advantages of AI technology and intensifying the pressure on human employment.
- Widespread Adoption of AI Agents: Microsoft's Work Trend Index indicates that 80% of leaders expect to integrate AI agents into their strategies within the next 12 to 18 months, which are software programs capable of completing tasks with minimal human direction, further reducing the need for human resources.
- Layoff Wave Intensifies: As AI technology becomes more prevalent, major companies like Amazon and Salesforce have cited it as a reason for thousands of job cuts, with the IMF warning that AI's impact on the labor market is akin to a tsunami, leaving many countries and businesses unprepared.
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Analyst Views on ROK
Wall Street analysts forecast ROK stock price to fall
15 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 407.450
Low
105.00
Averages
406.87
High
470.00
Current: 407.450
Low
105.00
Averages
406.87
High
470.00
About ROK
Rockwell Automation, Inc. is engaged in industrial automation and digital transformation. The Company operates in three segments: Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. The Intelligent Devices segment portfolio includes power control, motion control, safety, sensing, and industrial components, and micro control and distributed input/output. The Software & Control operating segment contains a comprehensive portfolio of production automation and production operations platforms, including hardware and software. This integrated portfolio is merging information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), bringing the benefits of the Connected Enterprise to the production system. The Lifecycle Services segment includes consulting services, including cybersecurity and digital transformation strategy and design and professional services, including global automation and information program and project management and delivery capabilities, and connected services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Surge in AI Robots: Former Citi executive Rob Garlick predicts that the number of AI robots will reach 1.3 billion by 2035 and exceed 4 billion by 2050, indicating that the relentless pursuit of cost-cutting by firms will lead to the replacement of human labor.
- Short Payback Period: A Citi report reveals that a $15,000 robot can break even in just 3.8 weeks when replacing a $41 per hour human job, showcasing the significant economic advantages of AI technology and intensifying the pressure on human employment.
- Widespread Adoption of AI Agents: Microsoft's Work Trend Index indicates that 80% of leaders expect to integrate AI agents into their strategies within the next 12 to 18 months, which are software programs capable of completing tasks with minimal human direction, further reducing the need for human resources.
- Layoff Wave Intensifies: As AI technology becomes more prevalent, major companies like Amazon and Salesforce have cited it as a reason for thousands of job cuts, with the IMF warning that AI's impact on the labor market is akin to a tsunami, leaving many countries and businesses unprepared.
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- Study Background: Rockwell Automation's 'OEM Advantage Guide' is based on a survey of 500 leading OEMs across 17 countries, revealing how OEMs enhance recovery times and customer satisfaction in complex operational environments.
- Addressing Challenges: In response to workforce instability, supply chain volatility, and cost pressures, many OEMs are adjusting their operational models to improve performance during uncertain times, emphasizing data-driven decision-making processes.
- Leadership Shift: Rockwell's VP Evan Kaiser states that future OEM leadership will not solely depend on building the most advanced machines but rather on the ability to maintain consistent performance amid personnel turnover and market pressures.
- Global Impact: Rockwell Automation employs nearly 26,000 people across over 100 countries, focusing on driving digital transformation in industrial enterprises through technological innovation to enhance global productivity and sustainability.
See More
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- Research Background: Rockwell Automation's release of the OEM Advantage Playbook is based on insights from 500 OEM leaders across 17 countries, revealing how leading machine builders enhance performance and customer trust amid complex operating conditions.
- Addressing Challenges: Despite facing workforce instability, supply chain volatility, and cost pressures, many OEMs are adapting their operations to achieve more consistent performance under unpredictable conditions, demonstrating their ability to respond to market changes.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Leading OEMs are shifting focus from solely relying on machine performance to emphasizing faster recovery, operational consistency, and data-driven decision-making, thereby enhancing overall business resilience.
- Future Leadership: Evan Kaiser, Vice President of Global OEM and Emerging Industries at Rockwell Automation, states that future OEM leadership will be defined not just by advanced machine manufacturing but by the ability to deliver consistent performance despite workforce turnover, supply disruptions, and relentless market pressures.
See More
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- Global Study Released: Rockwell Automation's 'OEM Advantage Playbook' reveals insights from 500 OEM executives across 17 countries, highlighting strategies to enhance performance and resilience in complex operational environments while emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making.
- Addressing Challenges: Leading OEMs are adapting their operations to achieve more consistent performance despite challenges such as workforce instability, supply chain fluctuations, and cost pressures, demonstrating the critical importance of adaptability under uncertain conditions.
- New Market Competition Standards: Evan Kaiser, Vice President at Rockwell Automation, states that future leaders in the OEM market will rely not solely on advanced machinery but on their ability to maintain consistent performance amid employee turnover and market pressures.
- Combining Workforce and Technology: Rockwell Automation is committed to merging human creativity with technological capabilities to drive the digital transformation of industrial automation, enhancing global productivity and sustainability.
See More
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- Surge in AI Robots: Former Citi executive Rob Garlick predicts that the number of AI robots will reach 1.3 billion by 2035 and exceed 4 billion by 2050, indicating that the relentless pursuit of cost-cutting by firms will lead to the replacement of human labor.
- Short Payback Period: A Citi report reveals that a $15,000 robot can break even in just 3.8 weeks when replacing a $41 per hour human job, showcasing the significant economic advantages of AI technology and intensifying the pressure on human employment.
- Widespread Adoption of AI Agents: Microsoft's Work Trend Index indicates that 80% of leaders expect to integrate AI agents into their strategies within the next 12 to 18 months, which are software programs capable of completing tasks with minimal human direction, further reducing the need for human resources.
- Layoff Wave Intensifies: As AI technology becomes more prevalent, major companies like Amazon and Salesforce have cited it as a reason for thousands of job cuts, with the IMF warning that AI's impact on the labor market is akin to a tsunami, leaving many countries and businesses unprepared.
See More
Service Robotics Accelerates Commercialization Phase
- Market Growth Potential: The global service robotics market is projected to exceed $107 billion by 2030, driven primarily by sectors such as hospitality, logistics, healthcare, and retail, indicating a strong demand for automation solutions and significant double-digit growth potential.
- Intellectual Property Acquisition: Nightfood Holdings, through its subsidiary TechForce Robotics, successfully acquired full intellectual property rights to the BIM-E platform, ensuring legal and operational control in a competitive market, thereby enhancing the company's market position and commercialization capabilities.
- Leadership Structure Adjustment: The company has aligned engineering leadership incentives directly with measurable financial outcomes, reflecting a focus on execution that helps accelerate product development and market adaptability, ultimately improving overall business performance.
- CES Showcase Success: At CES 2026, Nightfood's BIM-E system successfully served over 5,000 drinks, validating its performance capabilities in high-demand environments, which not only boosts industry confidence but also lays the groundwork for future investments and expansions.
See More
