Business

A.I. Replaced 25% Of China’s Human Ammunition’s Workers

Published

7 years ago

January 9, 2018

(Via Zerohedge)

“China has begun replacing the workers in its ammunition factories with robots… The move will reduce the number of accidents suffered by human workers, and has already increased the production of ammunition in the country.”

Safer, Thanks to Robots

China is one country leading the charge when it comes to embracing robotics and artificial intelligence. Last year, the country saw the first robot dentist successfully operate on a patient, and there are plans to build an unmanned, AI-powered police station in a capital city. Both developments show signs of China’s progress to becoming a global leader in AI by 2030.

To be a leader in AI, however, also means using such technology in the workforce as a replacement for human workers. Recently, China has done so in using automation to increase its supply of bombs and artillery shells.

Speaking with the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Xu Zhigang, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Shenyang Institute of Automation, said that nearly 25 percent of China’s ammunition factories have had their human workers replaced with “smart machines.” Interestingly enough, China didn’t turn to AI simply because it wants to lead AI adoption. It was instead because the factories were lacking in people who actually wanted to work in such dangerous environments.

“However high the salary offered, young people are simply not interested in working in an army ammunition plant nowadays,” said Xu. No one can really fault them for being wary of the job, though. According to SCMP, citing “research papers published in Chinese academic journals,” a significant number of accidents have occurred in recent years, with some leading to injured workers or even death.
So great were safety concerns that the 20-30 factories constructed over the last 60 years are in remote locations, or areas with much lower populations.

“One spark could lead to a huge explosion and reduce the plant to a crater,” said Xu. “The risk of fire was our biggest challenge. It hung over my head like a sword.”

“The robots can free workers from risky, repetitive jobs in the bomb-making process,” Professor Huang Dexian, from Tsinghua University’s department of automation, told SCMP. “It will create new jobs such as control optimization, hardware maintenance and technical upgrades. It will give us a stronger, healthier, happier defense workforce.”

Despite the AI’s improvements to safety, it’s fair to have concerns about their inclusion in the ammunition making process. Though Xu noted that China’s was not in a situation where it was “gearing up for a war and filling its armouries at breakneck speed,” the country’s new production abilities could spur other countries to produce weaponry at a greater pace, or encourage them to speed up development on their own AI projects out of fear of being outmatched. Russia, for example, is reportedly building an AI-controlled missile, and has plans to add autonomy to its land and aerial vehicles. The U.S., meanwhile, wants to use AI to boost its intelligence gathering capabilities, and successfully tested an autonomous F-16 last April.

It’s true that automation can improve productivity and have positive impacts on society, but experts caution that we should also be wary about how far we take automation without proper plans. This is something Jon Wolfsthal, a non-resident fellow at Harvard University’s Managing the Atom project, suggested society be cautious of, saying, “the possible advantages … are endless, but so too are the risks.”

Improved Productivity and Efficiency
Even before the accidents were a factor, however, workers were exposed to harmful chemicals while assembling ammunition, requiring them to wear masks and gloves. Needless to say, it’s not the most inviting job, and one that’s likely better suited for automation.

Since introducing automation to the factories, the AI — equipped with “man-made ‘hands and eyes’ — have been almost 5 times more productive than human workers and can assemble various ammunition including artillery shells, guided bombs, and rockets with the kind of efficiency and perfection some human workers struggle with. They also don’t get tired, which is a plus for any industry looking to implement robotics. With productivity somewhat limited by the supply of raw materials, Xu said that the productivity boost would probably fall between 100 to 200 percent “at a minimum.”

Business

MAGA: From Shopping Mall to Manufacturing Hub 2.0

Published

4 months ago

March 15, 2024

Pepe Jones

Title: America’s Transition: From Shopping Mall to Manufacturing Hub 2.0

In the past few decades, America has often been described metaphorically as a giant shopping mall or auction house, where consumption and commercialism have dominated the landscape. However, with the rise of the Trump administration and the ambition to “Make America Great Again,” a new vision is emerging—one that aims to transform the nation into the world’s greatest manufacturing hub ever seen, leveraging AI, blue-collar labor, and a combination of innovative technologies.

The shift from a consumer-driven economy to a production powerhouse signifies a strategic move towards self-sufficiency, economic resilience, and global competitiveness. This transformation is not merely about revitalizing industries of the past but embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to redefine the future of manufacturing.

At the heart of this evolution lies the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into manufacturing processes. AI-driven automation streamlines production, enhances efficiency, and reduces costs, enabling American manufacturers to compete on a global scale. By harnessing the power of machine learning and predictive analytics, businesses can optimize supply chains, minimize waste, and customize products to meet diverse consumer demands.

However, the vision for America’s manufacturing renaissance extends beyond technological innovation. It embraces a diverse workforce, blending the traditional blue-collar skillset with the expertise of engineers, data scientists, and software developers. This fusion of talent creates a dynamic ecosystem where creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration drive continuous improvement and sustainable growth.

Moreover, the resurgence of American manufacturing is not confined to a single sector but encompasses a broad spectrum of industries, from automotive and aerospace to electronics and renewable energy. By leveraging cross-disciplinary expertise and fostering strategic partnerships, the United States can position itself as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, setting new standards for quality, innovation, and sustainability.

One of the key strengths of this manufacturing transformation is its adaptability and resilience. In contrast to the volatility of global markets and supply chains, a robust domestic manufacturing base provides stability and security, mitigating risks associated with geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and natural disasters. By decentralizing production and embracing local sourcing, America can reduce its dependence on foreign imports and safeguard its economic sovereignty.

Furthermore, the transition towards a manufacturing-centric economy aligns with broader societal goals, such as job creation, workforce development, and regional revitalization. By investing in vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and re-skilling initiatives, the United States can empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive in the digital age and secure meaningful employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

As America embarks on this journey towards manufacturing excellence, it must also prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. By embracing eco-friendly practices, renewable energy sources, and circular economy principles, manufacturers can minimize their carbon footprint, reduce waste generation, and preserve natural resources for future generations.

In essence, the vision of America as the world’s greatest manufacturing hub represents a paradigm shift—one that transcends partisan politics and embraces a collective aspiration for progress, prosperity, and shared prosperity. By harnessing the transformative power of AI, blue-collar ingenuity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the United States can reclaim its status as an industrial powerhouse and pioneer a new era of manufacturing innovation on the global stage.

As the nation embarks on this ambitious journey, it must remain steadfast in its commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and technological leadership, ensuring that the benefits of the manufacturing renaissance are felt by all Americans and resonate across borders, shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.

Business

Outrage As Robinhood CEO Confesses To Elon Musk: DTCC Shut Down Stocks In Gamestop; AMC Surge

Published

3 years ago

February 2, 2021

Populist Wire Editorial Board

Did Congressional authority allow DTCC to help defraud middle-class investors buying Gamestop and AMC?

The CEO of Robinhood admitted to Elon Musk that the DTCC – The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation – halted trading during a call Monday morning on the Clubhouse app.

Proof: https://youtu.be/K2CEImKce6s

This is not the first time this has happened…

2008 case: https://casetext.com/case/pet-quarters-v-depository-trust-clearing

Sound familiar?

This appears to be Pet Quarters having the same issue Robinhood has today. When Pet Quarters took it to court, the courts said something along the lines of: f*** you, don’t ever come back here (citing technicalities).

Why did they win? Well, DTCC is given the authority by Congress to regulate despite technically being a private organization

There’s more – “To date, except for one case where DTCC’s dismissal motion is pending, all of the cases either have been dismissed by the courts or withdrawn by the plaintiffs.”

Proof: https://boards.fool.com/federal-court-dismisses-lawsuit-against-dtcc-24179123.aspx

Every AG in the country should be made aware of these facts and open investigations into the matter.

Why does Congress get to deputise a private organization as eco-hitmen for the market?

UPDATE (2/3/20 5:09 AM):

(Reuters) – Robinhood Chief Executive Vlad Tenev is expected to testify before a U.S. House committee on Feb. 18, Politico reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The hearing before the House Financial Services Committee has not been formally announced, the report added

Culture

#AdiosAmerica: Republicans (with Democrats) Are Selling Out America to Corporations to Decrease Living Standards

Published

5 years ago

July 14, 2019

Populist Wire Editorial Board

Since the turn of the 20th century, living standards became an important, almost central part to the progressive and labor movements of those times. Now it has become a mainstream of both parties to sell out your labor to lowest bidders in low and high paying jobs. Low paying jobs are being taken by low-wage immigrants protected by Democrats and the high-end jobs are brought in by bi-partisan means, and greatly boasted by Republicans.

This effort has crippled the middle-class for close to 30 years now and with the job market being already tightened by the looming threat of A.I., importing more workers, whether legal or illegal is decreasing the value of labor in America for each and American Citizen. Corporations and Businesses, who rely on keeping employee costs as low as possible generally don’t complain about these practices across the board, why would they?

Americans have an increasingly difficult task ahead of them with the mass illegal migration at the Southern Border but also the legal importation of immigrants through H1-b1 Visas. These challenges will increasingly change the look, heritage of this country. There is no incentive for either Government or Business to care about reigning in immigration to the benefit of the American worker, the bottom dollar line will look better anyways.