Replacing human services with digital devices and robots
Implications - As more mothers joined the workforce in recent decades, the demand for daycare has risen. With the credit crunch looming, this requirement will only intensify as parents are forced to take on even more work hours. To answer this, savvy inventors are creating robots and other devices that aid with child care.
Trend Themes
1. Robot Childcare - The rise of working parents is driving demand for robotic childcare aids, presenting a significant opportunity for companies developing child-friendly robots.
2. Location Tracking Wearables - Technology is being developed to reduce the risk of children getting separated from their guardians, with the opportunity for companies to develop wearable devices that track the location of children and provide alerts when they move out of range.
3. Crowd Monitoring Robots - As crowds continue to grow in size across cities, companies are developing humanoid robots that can reduce the risk of people getting lost or harmed in large crowds, showing potential for businesses that specialize in crowd management technology.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics - The growth in demand for robotic childcare and monitoring is providing opportunities for robotics companies to expand their capabilities in developing humanoid robots, AI technology, and smart devices to enhance child-safety and monitoring.
2. Wearable Technology - The increasing use of GPS-enabled wearables is opening up opportunities for wearable tech companies to develop child-friendly devices that track their location and provide alerts to parents or guardians.
3. Event and Crowd Management - The development of crowd-monitoring robots has promising opportunities for companies specializing in event and crowd management technology, allowing them to expand their capabilities in crowd control, safety, and security.
