February 9, 2026 – Editor’s Be aware: The next is the second in a multi-part sequence. Obtain the January 2026 digital concern of The Journal of Healthcare Contracting for the primary article within the sequence.

Because the novelty and glitter of integrating robots into the availability chain pale into the workforce zeitgeist, a brand new burgeoning concern engulfed the glistening empty area left behind.

What impression will these have on employment?

Potential labor displacement would be the largest elephant within the room, however it isn’t the one supply of worry, hesitation and reluctance when investing in provide chain robots. Additionally add acquisition prices, upkeep points, programming and system integration and coaching points to the checklist.

Mike Martin, Vice President, Provide Chain Operations, Trinity Well being, Livonia, Michigan, sees it extra as a give-and-take relationship.

“For instance, high-density vertical storage presents greater safety, however not all the time greater productiveness,” he notes. “Packaging uniformity can open doorways to contemplating high-volume automation options, however once more the problem is having the throughput to appreciate the payoff.”

Learn extra within the newest concern of JHC.