There’s been a lot of talk about robots lately. In the span of a week, I read three articles with extremely different views on the possible consequences of an increase in robots.
One perspective hails from the data-driven tech world where computer scientists are saying that the rise of artificial intelligence could cause human extinction. The other two perspectives focus on the more immediate future, debating whether or not robots will ultimately lead to a loss in job creation.
I’m going to focus on the latter perspectives—though, writing an article about villainous robots is certainly enticing.
So, what are robots? Job-stealing enemies or productivity enhancers?
One study suggests that 47% of today’s jobs are at “high-risk” of automation over the next 20 years, leading many to believe that the use of robots in the workforce will have devastating consequences.
Examples of automation can already be found in countries like China, which is automating quickly in response to rising wages and the need to maintain a competitive edge. According to the International Federation of Robotics, China is the fastest growing market for robots and is anticipated to install more manufacturing robots than any other country by 2017.
Sure, these statistics are worth worrying about, but they leave out the fact that while certain jobs are being replaced, other jobs will likely be created. It is anticipated that millions of jobs will be created or adapted to design, build, and maintain many of the machines that will be used in the economy.
With this context in mind, robot advocates argue that automation is more likely to cause job transformation rather than job replacement.
Therefore, attempting to define robots as either job-stealing enemies or productivity enhancers is fairly futile—it’s clear that they can be both.
A more important conversation is one that discusses how different populations with different abilities can be guaranteed access to the benefits of technology.
If future jobs require more complex skill sets, it could be difficult for lower-skilled, less-educated workers to access opportunities. This is especially concerning for women, who make up a significant portion of the workforces that will be affected the most, manufacturing and agriculture. While the number of female college graduates is growing in many countries, there remain significant gender gaps in education, particularly in areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
And as automation begins to drive down the cost of labor, workers are at risk of entering a “human vs. machine” battle for the lowest wages.
In order to mitigate these risks, countries, industries, and companies need to align on a set of responsible commitments before widespread automation occurs.
For starters, industries should prioritize using robots to take over difficult and dangerous tasks before incorporating robots into other areas of work. This type of automation already exists in car production, where robots are capable of performing a wide range of tasks—such as installation, painting, and welding—and aren’t restricted by fatigue or health risks.
Second, as machines begin to take over entry-level or labor-intensive positions, significant investments need to be made in education. Training programs and school curriculums need to help people acquire the right skills to enter the workforce.
And finally, as productivity increases and revenue gains are made, companies need to reinvest those gains back into their employees (at all levels). Currently, there are already examples where this needs to be implemented. The rise of technology has resulted in more opportunities for remote or contract work, which can be beneficial for both the employer and employee. However, contract employees are often barred from receiving employee benefits. As different types of positions are created, companies need to commit themselves to compensating all employees properly.
A rise in the use of smarter technology allows the world to totally reimagine the nature of work. With careful planning and preparation, countries can promote technological innovation AND create or maintain prosperous communities free of extreme poverty.
A free, high-quality education can ensure that all people acquire the right skills necessary to find an adequate job. Tell world leaders to fund the Global Partnership for Education in TAKE ACTION NOW.