Report: Robotics Will Lead to 1 Million New Jobs by 2016

In a downturned economy, it's always a relief to hear that job creation is on the horizon; this time, from an unexpected source: Robotics.

According to a new report, the field will be a major driver for global job creation over the next five years. The announcement is based on a study conducted by the market research firm Metra Martech, "Positive Impact of Industrial Robots on Employment," which was recently published in Tokyo.

The study concluded that 1 million industrial robots currently in operation have been directly responsible for the creation of close to 3 million jobs. And a growth in robot use over the next five years will result in the creation of 1 million high-quality jobs around the world.

It may seem counterintuitive, but bots will help to create jobs in some of the most critical industries of this century: consumer electronics, food, solar and wind power, advanced battery manufacturing and more. The use of robotics further secures workers in their communities, which in turn helps smaller companies like restaurants, shops and the service economy.

Read the entire report here.