DETROIT — General Motors laid off 1,300 workers at its Factory Zero plant in Detroit, Michigan, following the installation of approximately 50 robot arms. More than 1,000 union members remain laid off indefinitely.

The robots installed at Factory Zero were manufactured by FANUC and are designed to attach various components to vehicles during the assembly line process. Permanent layoffs involving 1,200 workers occurred at the plant in October 2025.

United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 22 President James Cotton criticized the layoffs. "Our manpower is being taken away from us," Cotton said. "From top to bottom, we're disgusted that they have cobots in our plants." The UAW has filed grievances against General Motors regarding the installation of these cobots.

UAW President Shawn Fain warned about the threat of humanoid robotics and mass automation potentially undermining worker employment and wages. "The fruits of our labor have multiplied like never before, but workers aren't reaping the harvest," Fain said. "And if AI continues to be used as an accessory to that crime, it has to be stopped — it doesn't have to be this way — in a just society, when workers create more value, they see more of the benefit."

General Motors spokesman Kevin Kelly stated the company has been installing cobots across its manufacturing operations as part of a broader push to integrate advanced technology. "At Factory ZERO, we are implementing them alongside our team — helping improve safety and ergonomics, while keeping our operations flexible and competitive," Kelly said. General Motors reported $4.25 billion in profits in the first quarter of 2026.