Robots are taking over. The latest job technology is replacing is carpentry. For thousands of years, skilled carpenters have created furniture. The next generation of master carpenters may be robots. Researchers at MIT have created a robot that can custom-make furniture. The robots will not replace humans, but will improve safety. The goal is to let robots do the more dangerous task of sawing so carpenters can focus on design.
The MIT team used today's technology to create the "AutoSaw". It differs from robots that make the mass-produced, flat-pack furniture we buy from stores. People will design their own furniture and AutoSaw will cut up the wood. It will also reduce the risk of us losing a finger. Researchers aim to "democratize furniture-customization". They want people to make what fits their needs, rather than what IKEA has. This will mean better furniture.