I was told by our esteemed "captains of industry" in the 70s and 80s they needed to exploit the cheap Chinese labor to make things cheaper for the consumer. Well robots cost the same whether they are in China, the USA or on the moon. With all the cheap energy in the USA we either need to move our factories back here or tariff the hell out of imports.
We have the lowest labor-force participation rate in 45 years. 1 in 14 American workers is now on long-term social-security disability. a minimum wage worker will lose about 25-30% of their paycheck off the top with taxes and insurance - even though they can get it back later. 55% of Americans receive some kind of means-tested check from the US Government We have everything from OSHA to lawyers on TV who will sue your employers from you. The government gives Americans, especially males, every incentive NOT to work, and we give companies every incentive NOT to hire.
And you wonder why things are manufactured in China?
I want an answer as to why we need to OFFSHORE robo- factories?
The country that taxes the least is the one that will have the most robo-manufacturing.
Three letters: EPA.
Three more letters: OSHA
Then there's also taxes. US tax law imposes taxes on the value of unsold inventory. if the factory, and warehouse, are overseas in a tax-friendly locale, then you can ship stuff over as it is being sold, and avoid inventory tax.
other reasons exist.
Taxation, the cost of regulation compliance, liability insurance, start up costs, etc, etc are all much higher here.
labor laws and unions.
Unions are all about pensions.
control the pension, control the union.
There’s always some level of labor needs. Add in the EPA and other regulatory bodies and there’s lots of good reasons to build your factory anywhere not America.