These robots are coming for the jobs no one wants - and could fill workforce gaps

"It's the same exact issue: Labor gaps in these highly repetitive physical tasks. They simply can't find the people to do this work. There is a common thread at the companies he visits around the world. In Germany, Korea, Japan, or the US, manufacturers just don't have enough people who want to work mundane, repetitive jobs."

"There are more than 400,000 job openings in the manufacturing sector in the US as of December 2025. In addition to vacancies, talent retention remains a top concern for manufacturers, according to a 2024 survey of more than 200 companies conducted by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte."

"A significant share of the manufacturing workforce is 55 and over, meaning they're approaching retirement. BLS's Current Population Survey clocks the number at a little over 25%. Add to that the Trump Administration's push to bring onshore manufacturing back, which will only create more jobs and a greater need for workers."

Agility Robotics, an Oregon-based startup, is deploying its humanoid robot Digit at Toyota's Canadian manufacturing facility to address critical labor gaps in repetitive physical tasks. The company has already placed robots at Amazon, Schaeffler Group, and GXO logistics. Manufacturing facilities worldwide face persistent challenges filling positions for mundane, repetitive work across Germany, Korea, Japan, and the US. The sector has over 400,000 job openings in the US alone, with talent retention remaining a significant concern. An aging workforce, with over 25% of manufacturing workers aged 55 and older approaching retirement, compounds the labor shortage. Increased onshore manufacturing initiatives are expected to further intensify demand for workers.

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