By Isabelle Robinson, M.Sc.Sep 16 2018.jpg)
Phonlamai Photo/Shutterstock
The topic of robots pushing humans out of the workforce has long been discussed and debated. However, with recent developments within the industry creating more dexterous, and smarter machines, could we really be replaced?
Advances in Robotic Technology
There are plenty of examples of robots on the market already. A good example of this is Fastbrick Robotics’ Hadrian X. This Australian robot is capable of laying more than 1000 standard bricks an hour, which far exceeds the amount a human laborer can lay in the same time frame. On the other side of the world, Simbe Robotics in the USA has developed Tally which can work in a supermarket stacking shelves and checking prices of goods.
There are also many companies that are willing to invest in robotic assistance. The dairy product producers, DeLaval International of Sweden have made the change from human milking to robotic milking, increasing profit margins.
While the leap in technology is great for employers, there are many that fear for their job security and with good reason. In a recent study by Oxford University, researchers have estimated that up to 47% of jobs in the United States could be performed by robots within the next two decades. The list of jobs which are thought to be “susceptible to computerization” include office support and administrative roles, transportation and logistics as well as labor and production occupations.
It should be noted that all of these jobs will be threatened by robotics, but the study has been supported by another US employment study which was undertaken in the years of 1997 to 2007. This study found that 1 robot could result in around 3-6 jobs being lost per workforce. In addition to this, for every robot added per 1000 human workforce, salaries fell between 0.25 and 0.5 percent on average.
However, it can be argued that humanity is no stranger to the fear of losing jobs to machines. “Computerization” has reduced the number of craftsmen, farmers and textile workers in the industrial revolution era. While these occupations were loss, it brought many new jobs to the forefront of society. This includes, but is not limited to, pilots, finance assistants and mechanics.
Development of New Artificial Intelligence
This can be repeated in the near future. It is thought that the development of new artificial intelligence will create a variety of new jobs. A study by MIT researchers suggests that AI systems will need a lot of human input in order to ensure that they perform as expected. In addition to this, there will need to be system maintenance, technologists and business management occupations.
Below is a list of advantages and disadvantages in having an increase of robot labor in the workforce.
Pros:
- Increase in worker safety. Especially for production lines, farming and the construction industry
- Fills the gap in laborer shortages
- Increase in efficiency
- Decrease in labor costs for businesses
Cons:
- Less adaptability and versatility in the workforce
- Loss of human jobs
- Could lead to more environmental pollution
- Maintenance and large upfront investments
Conclusion
While it is pretty clear that the increase in robots will inevitably mean the loss of human jobs, history shows that some new jobs will be created. However, to ensure job security for those already working within a high-risk occupation, discussion must be undertaken about the future role of robots in the workforce.
References
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