After human employees, Google now lays off robots that clean cafeterias 

By Ankita ChakravartiGoogle is reportedly laying off robots that helped clean the cafeterias in the offices. As per reports, Google’s parent company, Alphapet has shut its experimental department, Everyday Robots, which had been working on developing and training robots that could clean Google’s cafeterias, among other capabilities, as per Wired report. The decision to wind up the robotic arm comes as comes as part of Alphabet’s budget cuts amid widespread layoffs in the tech industry. Despite making progress, the robots and their trainers were unable to withstand the economic headwinds.

As per the report, Everyday Robots was an experimental robotics project that had a team of more than 200 people working on various robotics projects, including the development of over 100 one-armed robots on wheels. These robots were designed to clean cafeteria tables, separate trash and recycling, and open doors, among other tasks. During the pandemic, the robots were even used to check the cleanliness of conference rooms.

Even though the robots were extremely useful the robots were ultimately too expensive to maintain. The robotics experts estimated that each one cost tens of thousands of dollars and that was something Alphabet could not manage due to budget cuts, Everyday Robots was no longer financially profitable, and the project was discontinued. However, some of the technology and part of the team will be consolidated into existing robotics efforts within Google Research.

“Everyday Robots will no longer be a separate project within Alphabet,” Denise Gamboa, director of marketing and communications for Everyday Robots, told Wired. “Some of the technology and part of the team will be consolidated into existing robotics efforts within Google Research.”

The closure of Everyday Robots highlights the challenges faced by the robotics industry, particularly in the midst of an economic downturn. While robotics technology is advancing rapidly, the high cost of development and production can make it difficult for companies to justify investing in robotics projects.

Earlier this year, Google laid off close to 12000 employees. Pichai announced that the impacted employees would be paid during the full notification period of minimum 60 days. The company also announced that they offer a severance package starting at 16 weeks salary plus two weeks for every additional year at Google, and’ accelerate at least 16 weeks of GSU vesting. Along with that, 2022 bonuses and remaining vacation time will also be granted to the employees. Google has also promised 6 months of healthcare, job placement services, and immigration support for those affected.