Robot Baristas and AI Chefs Unveiled at CES 2024, Worrying Casino Union Workers
At the annual CES technology trade show in Las Vegas, the spotlight was on artificial intelligence and robotics, raising concerns about the future of jobs in the hospitality industry.
Among the innovations showcased was an AI-powered barista effortlessly creating latte art, leaving many workers questioning the security of their roles in the age of automation.
Job Insecurity in the Age of AI
The barista’s delicate dance of pouring foamy milk to create latte art has become a mesmerizing spectacle.
However, the unsettling reality is that this skill, traditionally honed through months or years of practice, can now be replicated by an AI-powered robot. Roman Alejo, a 34-year-old barista, expresses his apprehension, wondering if the clock is ticking on human-centric hospitality jobs.
The CES trade show reignited concerns about job security just a month after the casino workers union in Las Vegas settled new contracts for 40,000 members.
The negotiations shed light on the threat AI poses to union jobs, as technology was a significant point of contention.
The emergence of robotics, coupled with artificial intelligence, has forced labor unions to reconsider their negotiation strategies to secure job protection against technological advancements.
Experts suggest that breakthroughs in AI technology necessitate a more deliberate approach to negotiations for job security. Labor unions, including the Culinary Workers Union, now face the challenge of anticipating the impact of AI and robotics on various casino jobs.
The recent contract negotiated by the union reflects an acknowledgment of this challenge, providing severance pay and the option to move to different departments for workers affected by tech or AI job elimination.
CES as a Bellwether for Labor Concerns
Over 100 union members attended CES to assess emerging technologies that could jeopardize casino jobs. The trade show featured a plethora of AI-driven innovations, from delivery robots and robotic masseuses to autonomous barista bots and AI-powered smart grills. The union’s proactive stance aims to get ahead of the curve and address the potential challenges posed by advancing technology.
While some argue that AI can address labor shortages and enhance efficiency, concerns persist about job displacement, particularly for roles that lack direct customer interaction.
The tension between introducing technological advancements and maintaining customer service excellence is evident, especially in a customer-centric destination like the Las Vegas Strip.
As the hospitality industry witnesses the rise of AI and robotics, the delicate balance between innovation and job preservation becomes crucial.
The story of the AI-powered barista at CES serves as a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of the workforce, urging unions and workers alike to adapt and negotiate effectively to secure their place in an increasingly automated world.
