# The Robots Are (Not) Coming: How Wearable Technology Augments But Doesn't Replace Human Labor w/ Tracy Hansen

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2020-08-04
- Length: 27m
- Episode: 8
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2020-08-04-the-robots-are-not-coming-how-wearable-technology-augments-but-doesnt-replace-hu
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-5597d648-4fa3-43d7-acf6-5b1364deb205

## Summary

Tracy Hansen, president of North America and global CMO for ProGlove, explains how wearable digital interfaces augment human labor in manufacturing and logistics rather than replacing it. She details ProGlove’s lightweight hand-worn scanners and proximity sensors, citing customers like BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and Amazon. Hansen argues against 'excessive automation,' using Apple’s decade-long struggle to automate iPhone assembly as proof that human dexterity and critical thinking remain essential. She emphasizes that the key to efficiency and safety is balancing robotics with human-centric technology.

## Chapters

- [0:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2020-08-04-the-robots-are-not-coming-how-wearable-technology-augments-but-doesnt-replace-hu#t=45) Introduction and ProGlove Overview
- [2:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2020-08-04-the-robots-are-not-coming-how-wearable-technology-augments-but-doesnt-replace-hu#t=173) The Human-Centric Wearable Scanner
- [8:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2020-08-04-the-robots-are-not-coming-how-wearable-technology-augments-but-doesnt-replace-hu#t=503) Pandemic Shifts: Safety and Speed
- [13:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2020-08-04-the-robots-are-not-coming-how-wearable-technology-augments-but-doesnt-replace-hu#t=793) Tangible Examples: Proximity and Mark Display
- [16:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2020-08-04-the-robots-are-not-coming-how-wearable-technology-augments-but-doesnt-replace-hu#t=968) The Mythical Automation Month
- [21:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2020-08-04-the-robots-are-not-coming-how-wearable-technology-augments-but-doesnt-replace-hu#t=1260) Lessons from Apple and Tesla

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- ProGlove (company)
- BMW (company)
- Audi (company)
- Volkswagen (company)
- Amazon (company)
- Apple (company)
- Tesla (company)
- Intel (company)
- Fitbit (product)
- PG Connect (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Agility Robotics' Melonee Wise on role of humanoids](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-09-14-agility-robotics-melonee-wise-on-role-of-humanoids) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Episode 152: Dexterous robot hands - Rich Walker](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-17-episode-152-dexterous-robot-hands-rich-walker) (Robot Talk)
- [Make the Right Chips, Do the Right Work, Ep #12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-02-05-make-the-right-chips-do-the-right-work-ep-12) (Lights Out)
- [203: Humanoid Robots: Industrial Applications, Safety, and Going Beyond the Hype to Solve Real Problems Featuring Agility Robotics' Melonee Wise](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-09-17-203-humanoid-robots-industrial-applications-safety-and-going-beyond-the-hype-to) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [287: The Art of Precision Manufacturing: Why Humans Still Matter on the Factory Floor | Live from The Manufacturing Exchange in Rochester, NY (Powered by Fathom)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-05-12-287-the-art-of-precision-manufacturing-why-humans-still-matter-on-the-factory-fl) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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