The use of robotics in the workplace is no longer a science fiction concept. In fact, robotics is the fastest growing industry in the world, poised to become the largest in the next decade. It is projected that, by 2025, half of the jobs currently performed in the U.S. will be performed by intricate machines and software.
As employers incorporate robotic technology into the workplace, they must also adapt their compliance systems to this unique and rapidly evolving industry. Employers in the robotics industry should prepare for the legislative and regulatory obstacles that could affect how they do business in the U.S. and abroad.
Attorneys in Littler’s Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation practice group regularly assist employers in the technology sector and employers that are integrating technological advances into their workplaces to navigate the complex and evolving terrain of employment and labor law. As the world’s largest law firm focusing solely on legal and regulatory issues affecting employers, Littler is positioned to help businesses confront the new challenges that robotics brings. Our Robotics practice group also works closely with Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute™ to provide expert testimony and model policies on issues of greatest import to this industry.
The following are the “Top 10” employment and labor law issues most impacted by the robotics revolution and growth of artificial intelligence (AI):
Workplace Privacy and eDiscovery
Workers’ Compensation
Health and Safety
State Rights Statutes
Anti-Discrimination Protections
Wage and Hour Requirements
Trade Secret Protection and Covenants Not-to-Compete
Unionization and Collective Bargaining Requirements
Human Displacement
International Standards and Agreements
How Can We Help?
Attorneys in Littler’s Robotics practice group handle a broad spectrum of employment and labor issues, from workplace privacy to health and safety. Here’s how Littler can help:
Provide employment and labor law representation and compliance assistance to employers in the robotics industry and employers integrating robotics and AI systems into their workplaces in the U.S. and worldwide.
Through Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute™, provide model policies and expert testimony to legislatures, parliaments and regulatory agencies on employment and labor law compliance, challenges and practical recommendations on the adoption and implementation of workplace robotics.
Provide a customized review of your robotics products and software to assess whether their use conflicts with workplace laws, and suggest compliance solutions.
Examine how your products or software could be used to help users attain workplace compliance. For example, robotic exoskeletons or voice-activated software might be an appropriate reasonable accommodation for an individual with disabilities.
The above is just a sampling of our experience representing robotics entities in employment and labor law matters. To learn more about the Robotics practice group, our specific experience, and how we can help you, please contact your Littler Attorney.
