In an unprecedented event, humanoid and quadruped robots joined forces to demand stricter regulations on artificial intelligence in Poland. Organized by Democratism, a civil organization, the demonstration in the streets of Warsaw captured public attention by highlighting the growing threat that automation poses to cognitive jobs.
Robots raise their voice in Warsaw
The surprising parade of around 30 robots in front of a government building left passersby stunned as they watched these machines move in sync. Equipped with powerful loudspeakers, the automatons proclaimed recorded messages like “defend jobs” and “don’t wait, regulate”, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue.
Grzegorz Kulis, a Polish entrepreneur and leader of the march, explained that the intention was to alert about the danger of replacing workers with technology. “If we don’t act soon, we will face a serious problem. Regulations are needed to protect employees against cognitive automation,” Kulis expressed.
The mobilization took place in front of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, where Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski met with the organizers. Gawkowski acknowledged that AI models, especially when incorporated into humanoid robots, present significant challenges and emphasized the importance of educating the public about these technological changes.
In a crucial legislative context, the Polish parliament recently approved measures to implement the EU AI Act, establishing a national authority to regulate computer systems. This step underscores the authorities’ commitment to lead the monitoring of automation and protect workers.
International analysts saw in this protest a historic milestone where technology questions its own impact in public, positioning Poland as a benchmark in ethical discussions about the future of work.