CNBC · 20 Sep, 14:37 · Technology briefing

The 'robot relations' department may become reality in workplace of the future

Recent reports suggest that dedicated 'robot relations' departments may soon emerge within corporate structures.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent reports suggest that dedicated 'robot relations' departments may soon emerge within corporate structures. This development signals a shift from viewing automation merely as a technical tool to treating it as a workforce component requiring management. Organisations are anticipating the need for specialised roles to oversee human-robot interaction, ensuring seamless collaboration and addressing operational friction. This trend reflects the broader integration of autonomous systems into daily business processes, necessitating new administrative frameworks to manage these complex, multi-agent environments effectively.

Employer demand for Medical Physics skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This shift elevates the value of interdisciplinary skills bridging technical understanding with human-centric management. You must focus on developing competencies in change management, ethical AI governance, and cross-functional communication. Professionals in Human Resources, Operations, and Leadership should pay particular attention. A smart professional would immediately upskill in AI strategy and organisational psychology to navigate this transition. Consider pursuing courses that enhance your ability to manage hybrid teams comprising humans and algorithms. Proactively positioning yourself as a liaison between technical teams and end-users will make you indispensable. Start by auditing your current workflow for automation opportunities and identifying where human oversight remains critical.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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