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 rise
15 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 375.550
Low
105.00
Averages
406.87
High
470.00
Current: 375.550
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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- Productivity Enhancement: Xiaomi is trialing humanoid robots in its electric vehicle production lines, with two robots completing 90% of tasks in three hours, significantly boosting efficiency and indicating the company's proactive exploration of automation.
- Technical Challenges Addressed: The company's president noted that the robots must keep pace with a new car rolling off the assembly line every 76 seconds, demonstrating Xiaomi's commitment and challenges in integrating robotic technology into production processes.
- Future Outlook: Xiaomi plans to enable humanoid robots to replace certain human tasks and accomplish work traditionally beyond human capability, signaling the company's long-term strategy in smart manufacturing.
- Market Potential: Analysts forecast a global humanoid robot market of $9 trillion by 2050, with China accounting for over 60%, highlighting Xiaomi's strategic foresight in this rapidly growing market.
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- Secure Remote Access Integration: Ronal Group is consolidating authorized external access globally using Rockwell Automation's secure remote access technology, ensuring compliance with regulations like NIS2, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency and compliance.
- Encrypted Communication and Role-Based Authorization: The solution supports encrypted communication and role-based authorization, ensuring access rights are assigned based on clearly defined roles and operational needs, which enhances operational transparency and security.
- Operational Resilience Enhancement: By implementing a harmonized remote access management system, Ronal Group can manage external access in a structured and controlled manner, further enhancing its operational resilience and meeting compliance objectives.
- Cybersecurity as a Strategic Priority: Ronal Group prioritizes cybersecurity as a strategic focus, continuously reviewing and enhancing its security framework to protect its operations, partners, and customers, ensuring business sustainability.
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- Secure Remote Access Integration: Ronal Group is consolidating authorized external access globally using Rockwell Automation's secure remote access technology, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements such as NIS2, thereby enhancing operational security and compliance.
- Operational Efficiency Boost: The solution supports encrypted communication and role-based authorization, enabling Ronal Group to manage remote access in a consistent and standardized manner, significantly improving productivity and transparency.
- Strategic Priority: Ronal Group prioritizes cybersecurity as a strategic focus, continuously reviewing and enhancing its security framework to protect operations, partners, and customers, ensuring long-term business stability.
- Streamlined Configuration Process: The ease of configuring the Rockwell Automation system allows Ronal Group to rapidly roll it out to suppliers, further enhancing the flexibility and responsiveness of its global connectivity framework.
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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.
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