How will robotics affect employment?

Mention AI and someone will (and understandably) mention its impact on jobs. There are a lot of opposing views on the subject, of course, but the one thing everyone seems to agree on is that robotics and AI will have a profound impact on human jobs, going forward.

Amazon, in collaboration with MIT, has launched a study to understand the effects of robots on employment dynamics—specifically the implications of increased automation in the workplace (almost ironic considering their stance in the past).

???Key Points:

• The primary concern of the study isn't job numbers but the perceptions of human employees and the general public regarding the growing role of AI and robotics in various industries.
• From Amazon’s perspective, they hope to gain more insight into how they can develop robotics that enhance the employee experience and safety across their operations network, while investing in training for employees that can help them advance their career by working with new technology.
• Amazon Robotics' Chief Technologist, Tye Brady, emphasizes that while over 750,000 mobile robots operate in their facilities, Amazon has still hired hundreds of thousands of employees in the past decade.
• The research will delve into human-robot interaction (HRI), a critical domain that explores the synergy between humans and robots in shared environments.
• MIT's Julie Shah comments: “Our research shows that the best way to optimize human-robot team performance is to develop robots that are active collaborators in helping a human to learn about their capabilities, limitations and behaviors.”

Should employees see robots as collaborators?

Employees should view robots as collaborators, not competitors. Embracing automation fosters a work environment where human skills compliment robotic efficiency. By recognising robots as valuable partners, employees can enhance productivity, creativity and overall workplace dynamics and effective future of work.

Can robots make jobs safer?

Company data shows that recordable incident rates and lost-time incident rates were 15% and 18% lower, respectively, at Amazon robotics sites than they were at its non-robotics sites in 2022.

Why you should care

This study could provide insights into how businesses can effectively integrate technology without compromising the human workforce. Equally so, the study could highlight how effective robots are, sans humans, in a warehouse environment.

I asked ChatGPT 'How will robotics affect employment?' and here is what it said:

Robotics will inevitably reshape employment by automating routine tasks, leading to job displacement in certain sectors. However, it also creates new opportunities for roles in robotics design, maintenance, and programming. The collaboration between humans and robots can boost productivity and innovation. Upskilling in technology-related fields becomes crucial to stay employable. The societal impact depends on effective policies addressing the potential job disruptions. While some routine jobs may decrease, robotics can stimulate economic growth, generate novel occupations, and enhance the overall quality of work. A strategic approach to workforce adaptation is essential for mitigating negative consequences and maximizing the benefits of robotic integration.

You can read more about the Amazon and MIT collaboration here and more about Amazon and robotics on their website here