For years, the debate around automation has revolved around a troubling question: are robots here to destroy human jobs? Yet, a recent analysis published by El País offers a more nuanced and surprising perspective: far from eliminating work, robots are also creating new employment opportunities in strategic sectors.
The key lies in understanding how automation is reshaping value chains. In industries such as automotive, logistics, and healthcare, the introduction of robots does not simply replace repetitive tasks. Instead, it generates demand for specialized roles in supervision, maintenance, programming, and systems optimization. Each robot installed requires human teams to ensure its proper functioning and continuous adaptation to evolving processes.
The report highlights an important trend: the productivity gains delivered by robots allow companies to grow faster, expand operations, and ultimately hire more staff in areas such as management, innovation, and services. Employment does not vanish—it transforms, shifting toward higher-value activities that demand creativity, judgment, and social skills.
Still, the impact is not uniform. Sectors with limited ability to adapt may face short-term disruption, while training and upskilling become critical for workers to thrive in this new technological environment. Governments and companies alike face the challenge of investing in education and transition policies to ensure that the promise of employment becomes a reality.
The broader message is clear: robots are not just a threat. When automation is combined with smart training policies and forward-looking business strategies, the relationship between machines and humans can evolve into one of collaboration and mutual growth.