It might feel like robots are taking over everything, what with all the technology going on in our daily lives today. But a group of computer experts says that we don’t need to be worried about them attacking us or plotting to take over the world. What they say we need to consider worried about is the fact that robots could easily steal our jobs. This is because robots can conduct several tasks around the clock without human intervention, and many companies find them to be cost-effective alternatives to human labor.
According to some researchers, nearly 1.8 million USA jobs will be lost to automated systems by 2024. These job losses will occur in sectors such as mining, construction, farming, and manufacturing where human labor is heavily involved. The bad news is, the number could rise to about 3.4 million by 2030 if economic conditions continue as they are. As if that wasn’t bad enough, these machines are also slowly invading the healthcare and education sectors too.
The researchers also observed certain patterns in these job losses. Men make up the majority of workers at risk of losing jobs to robotics because industries heavily using robots, such as manufacturing and construction, mainly employ men. Age and education also seem to matter. Workers over 40 appear more likely to lose their jobs to the machines. Those with only a high school diploma or less are also more at risk.
However, there is good news. The researchers say that just as many jobs, if not more, will be created by these technological advancements. Although it seems like almost half the jobs could be automated, not all of them will be. The researchers say that rapid advancements will also create many opportunities as new roles will emerge and old ones will be transformed.
Jumping onto the “automation train” instead of fighting it could be the way to go. A constructive approach could be to prepare for the coming changes by acquiring new skills and adapting to the evolving job market. This could potentially result in a safer and more rewarding work environment. In the end, it’s not about robots taking over the world and displacing humans. Instead, it’s about how humans and robots can coexist and complement each other in the workplace in a constructive and beneficial way.
Therefore, instead of being afraid of this impending ‘automation invasion’, we should look at it as a challenge. A challenge that will push us to adapt and grow, to learn new skills and to look forward to the possibilities that technology can bring. The future might be one where humans and robots share the workspace and complement each other, rather than compete.
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