Futurist Dr. Pero Micic predicts a dramatic transformation in global labor costs, envisioning a future where humanoid robots could work for just $10–13 per hour—and eventually far less. His analysis compares the economics of robotic versus human labor, showing that robots already reduce costs by up to 70%.
The Cost Advantage of Robots
According to Dr. Micic, a humanoid robot can operate 20 hours a day, 330 days a year, totaling about 6,600 hours annually—more than triple the average human work year of roughly 1,975 hours. Robots do not sleep, take breaks, or need paid time off, and their average operational lifespan is about eight years.
Each robot costs between $11,000 and $33,000 to build, with annual operating expenses of $23,000–$30,000, translating to $10.86–$13.81 per hour. In comparison, the average cost of a human employee—including benefits, insurance, and paid leave—is roughly $42.53 per hour.
Dr. Micic estimates that businesses could save up to $200,000 per year per robot, a reduction of nearly 70% in labor expenses. He expects next-generation robots to be twice as fast, more productive, and even cheaper, potentially reshaping industries worldwide.
As production scales, he predicts the cost per hour could fall below $10, and by 2035, humanoid robots could work for under $5—or even $1—per hour, driven by advances in AI and manufacturing efficiency.
Rise of the Robot-as-a-Service Model
Dr. Micic also foresees the growth of a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, where companies rent robots instead of purchasing them outright. Businesses would pay hourly, per task, or per project, lowering upfront costs and making automation accessible even to small and mid-sized enterprises.
Although minimal human supervision will still be necessary—estimated at about $18,000 per year or 30 minutes per day—cloud-based AI will continue reducing human involvement as robots become more autonomous and capable.
The Broader Impact on Labor and Society
As robots become cheaper and more efficient, industries such as manufacturing, logistics, retail, and services may replace large portions of their human workforce. While this shift could dramatically boost productivity, experts warn of potential job displacement and social challenges.
Some advocate for solutions like a “robot tax” or universal basic income to offset the economic disruption. Yet, others argue that cheaper robotics could drive a new industrial revolution—lowering costs, increasing innovation, and ultimately redefining global labor.
