Do not forget phones give location/profile data and can easily extrapolate the people you’re meeting. It doesn’t even need GPS, just need to see which wifi networks are available and compare.
More than listening, it deduces things based on the fingerprints people leave.
I would be glad if every country could pursue automation on pretty much one of the most dangerous jobs to date.
A mistake or accident while working in electricity means there a noticeable chance of a wild arc appearing right in front ready to obliterate you (or at least cook you). I’m fine with a robot taking those risks.
But yeah, let’s just assume right away this is because China hates its people, so let’s replace everyone with expensive robots. /s