General Motors is facing criticism from labour unions after replacing more than 1,000 workers with 50 robotic units at its flagship Detroit assembly plant as part of a broader automation initiative.
The automaker has introduced collaborative robots, known as cobots, at its Michigan facility following a scaling back of some electric vehicle commitments. The machines now work alongside remaining employees, assisting with tasks such as attaching vehicle body panels on the assembly line.
GM said the deployment is part of its ongoing effort to modernise manufacturing operations and improve workplace efficiency.
“We’ve been installing cobots across our manufacturing footprint as part of a broader push to bring more advanced technology into our operations,” said company spokesperson Kevin Kelly.
“At Factory ZERO, we are implementing them alongside our team, helping improve safety and ergonomics, while keeping our operations flexible and competitive.”
The move, however, has drawn strong opposition from labour representatives. United Auto Workers Local 22 President James Cotton expressed concerns that automation is replacing jobs previously held by union members.
“It’s always a concern when you see a robot coming to a plant, especially after they have laid off over a thousand people,” Cotton said.
“They say it’s the wave of the future, and if that’s so, they’re taking away jobs from people.”
He further added, “From top to bottom, we’re disgusted that they have cobots in our plants.”
The development comes as General Motors continues to balance investments in advanced manufacturing technologies with workforce management. In the first quarter of 2026, the company reported profits of $4.25 billion, representing a 22% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.
The deployment highlights the growing role of automation in modern manufacturing while reigniting debate around its impact on employment and the future of industrial workforces.
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