BY DAVE PRICE
Daily Post Editor

Science fiction movies like “The Terminator” portray robots as deceitful, murderous or soul-less threats. Lifelike faces and synthetic skin trigger unease, playing on our worst fears. Sometimes humanoid armies turn on their creators to exterminate humanity.

The fear of robots has reached the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, which on Tuesday (Aug. 11) may take the first step in regulating these machines.

Ironically, government has played a starring role in advancing robotics. 

Government has raised the minimum wage to levels that are unaffordable by many small businesses. As a result, many businesses want to bring in robots to take orders at a fast-food counter or stock a warehouse. 

A machine might cost a lot up front, but over time it’s cheaper than a human. And you don’t have to deal with unions, the county’s Labor Standards Enforcement Office or an HR department.

If you think about it, government officials and union bosses are the best sales people for the robotics business.

The demand for robots is rising every year. The county should take advantage of this trend. Instead of regulating robots, why not recruit robot-makers to move to the county?

This emerging industry brings high-paying tech jobs, which will boost local tax revenue. 

Robots will be designed and built somewhere in the world. Wouldn’t it be better if it were San Mateo County instead of South Korea?

Instead of fighting the robotics industry, the county supervisors on Tuesday should direct County Manager Mike Callagy to come up with a plan to entice robotic startups to move to the county. Have Callagy find out what these companies would want to move here. If any regulation is needed, work with industry to come up with rules that don’t stifle innovation.

In recent years, the county has lost Oracle, a major employer and tech leader. Just over the county line in Palo Alto, Tesla moved its headquarters and much of its R&D to Texas. 

Some of the reasons they left can’t be changed by county officials — high state taxes and oppressive regulations. But instead of imposing more regulations, the county supervisors should welcome robot-makers and aim to make this area the heart of the robotics industry.

Editor Dave Price’s column appears on Mondays.

Sidebar: Robots can live in harmony with humans

Robots can do the following:

HARD JOBS: Robots take on heavy, dirty or dangerous work in factories, disaster zones and deep space.

HEALTH CARE: They can assist nurses by lifting patients and help doctors perform precise surgeries. Some hospitals have “tugs,” automated carts that bring meals and prescription drugs to patients in their rooms.

HELPING THE AGING: Companion bots help older adults live safely and independently.

Challenges to overcome

Safety and privacy: Home robots with cameras must protect family data and move safely around children.

Job changes: As machines take over routine tasks, society must help workers find new roles.

Emotional limits: Robots can mimic feelings, but they lack true empathy and real life experience.