Humans being replaced by robots and other AI-driven technologies has been a trendy theme among Sci-Fi literature writers and movie directors for decades. It is obviously not science fiction anymore, and we live in an age when technologies can do most things as good as humans, if not better. Some industries and countries are more eager to conduct this revolution, while others are taking more careful steps in this direction. That being said, a question arises – which approach is right and who, if anyone, should be worried about those changes?
Most economists agree that robots can boost productivity and the economic growth of the country. Companies could focus on assigning the most skillful employees to the more complex jobs and pay more attention to their needs because the less demanding but equally important tasks would be done by machines. It is really a great perspective because the automatization of industries such as agriculture can help us sustain basic human needs all over the world with a small contribution. Thanks to that we could focus more on providing better education and preparing a new generation of employees for the new types of jobs related to AI, machine learning, etc.
However, we need to acknowledge the dark side of this revolution. Based on the research of professors Osea Giuntella of the University of Pittsburgh, Yi lu of Tsinghua University, and Tianyi Wang of the University of Toronto who have analyzed the effects of replacing humans with robots in China which is a leading country in that matter, the workers are the ones who have to pay the highest prize. Automatization of their jobs results in unemployment and most of them do not possess the skills needed for some newly created positions. Those who kept their seat, according to the research, have experienced on average a 9% decrease in hourly wages and a 14% increase in hours worked. This situation can eventually lead to economic inequality and social unrest.
So are robots a good or a bad thing? As usual, the truth lies somewhere in between. Robots are the way in which our society can grow and develop. There is a common belief that eventually, their existence will be beneficial for everyone. The only issue is the transformation which will be and in fact, already is in some parts of the world very harmful to workers and less educated citizens. A similar situation took place during the Industrial revolution which has begun in the XVIII century. What we can learn from it is that we should take small steps and give ourselves a chance to adapt to new changes.
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Automatization is one of the best thing that happened in the technological field. However, as everything, it needs to be used with cool head and great caution. Technology should only help us in doing things more efficient and not doing ones for us.
What you stated is abolutely right. Automatization is the next step in our evolution and it will bring many benefiting assets. However there is a possibility that it will also bring many disadvantages if not done right. If we prepare younger generations and also don’t force any unwanted situations such as unnecessary firing people or decreasing their pay it could protect society from collapsing. We just need to take it step by step so we do not get overwhelmed by automatization.
From my perspective, no matter how insightful a machine may become, it can never replace a human. I believe that humanity can benefit from it. Robots can serve us and solve our everyday problems. For example, robots can work in dangerous and harmful conditions. A handful of professions are also unlikely to be eliminated by AI in the foreseeable future. Jobs like doctors, teachers, and management staff require specialized skills that robots cannot replicate. It all comes down to human interaction, sympathy, critical thinking and emotional communication. Robots lack those valuable skills and qualities.
I fully agree that recently, there has undoubtedly been an incredible upheaval in the world of technologies, which is becoming more and more automated. However, should we be afraid of robots replacing humans? I don’t think so. Some industries will definitely always need humans because artificial intelligence and robots lack a sufficiently large number of skills that are usual and normal for humans. From some empathetic fields to creative, political, teaching, writing or strategic jobs. What is going to happen eventually is that AI will definitely be an incredible tool and help for us, but it will not be able to replace humanity completely.
In general, I completely agree that robots will undoubtedly make a boom in the economy around the world, but as the author noted, the people who will be replaced by robots will be millions around the world, if not even billions. And this is the most frightening part of how our world will go through this transit period and for how long this period will last, but one thing is certain, there will be strong social upheavals due to robots.
I think that the best solution is to educate people and give them basic knowledge about this subject , because in my opinion the use of robots and artificial technology will only increase.Creating more work places or teaching people skills that machines won’t be able to do as efficiently as people is the key to maintan balance and save ordinary workers situation.