We have seen mechanization and workplace innovation in recent years
We've all seen how mechanization has boosted productivity and economic development. Firms manufacture more, higher-quality, and more affordable products as a result of automation. Contrary to popular opinion, technology has the ability to increase job prospects for jobs rather than eliminate them (Robert, 2017).
A possibility that most of the jobs will get extinct
According to the University of Oxford study, half of the occupations performed by humans could become extinct over the next two years. The study pinpointed specific sectors of concern like logistics, transportation, and administration. With a possibility that most of the jobs will get extinct, economists have predicted an unemployment crisis in the future (Berger and Frey, 2014 p. 9). However, I think it is time to view this revolution from a different perspective. Mechanization strategies like the use of robots present the economy with an opportunity to expand employment opportunities and create better and alternative jobs (David, 2015).
Innovations throughout history
The world is not new to mechanization. Various innovations have occurred throughout history from the invention of the printing press that enabled mass printing of books to the innovation of the wheel that led to fast and more efficient transport. Even though these innovations eliminated some jobs, they also created more and better jobs than the previous ones (Mynul, 2016).
Complex tasks that robots cannot perform
Despite the fact that robots will take up most of the tasks, people will still be needed to fill up complex tasks that robots cannot perform like negotiation and persuasion. These jobs require social skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity attributes that robots lack (Elysse, 2017). When something goes amiss with the robots, human intervention will always be required to fix technical glitches. Robots also require maintenance, updates, and spare parts, a situation that will create more opportunities for people. People with the technical skills and expertise will always be required to repair and maintain the robots (Harge, 2016).
The impact of automation on healthcare
We have also seen the rise of automation in the healthcare industry such as the use of surgical robots and cognitive computing systems. Doctors and nurses will not be rendered jobless by automation; it is only that the nature of their work will significantly change. Instead, automation will free them up to do more productive work. Automation will also help doctors make accurate diagnoses.
The benefits of self-driving trucks
Some jobs, like truck driving, are boring, tedious, and dangerous. Truck drivers report high rates of fatal injuries, and given the time they spend on the road, they have less time to be with friends and families. Studies have also revealed that truck drivers have higher rates of divorce, obesity, drug use, diabetes, and heart diseases. The benefits of self-driving trucks are therefore enormous. They will save thousands of lives we lose on the roads every year. The nation will also spend less money treating fatal injuries incurred in automobile accidents. That money will go into paying workers and improving the standards of living in the country.
The emergence of new jobs in information technology
Information technology departments have also emerged due to advances in digital technologies. Now we have jobs like network administration and web development that never existed some years back.
No point for concern
There is no point for concern in relation to mechanization and automation of work. Robots will enhance productivity, efficiency, and growth in different sectors of the economy. Mechanization will also open up more opportunities in different areas and make our work safe. We should, therefore, look forward to a future where technology will spur growth and create opportunities in unimaginable ways.
References
Berger, T. and Frey C.B. 2014. Industrial Renewal in the 21st Century: Evidence from U.S Cities, pp. 1-25.
David, T., 2015. Job survival in the age of robots and intelligent machines. The Conversation. Retrieved Sept. 15, 2017, from http://theconversation.com/job-survival-in-the-age-of- robots-and-intelligent-machines-33906
Elysse, M., 2017. Rise of the machines: What jobs will survive as robots move into the workplace? Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved Sept. 15, 2017, from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-06/what-jobs-will-survive-as-robots-move-into-the- workplace/8685894
Harge, R., 2016. Robots Will Create More Jobs Than They’ll Take. Money Morning. Retrieved Sept. 15, 2017, from https://www.moneymorning.com.au/20161006/robots-will-create- jobs-theyll-take.html
Mynul, K., 2016. Robots won’t just take jobs, they’ll create them. Techcrunch. Retrieved Sept. 15, 2017, from https://techcrunch.com/2016/05/13/robots-wont-just-take-jobs-theyll- create-them/
Robert, D.A., 2017. Why we should not reject technology in order to ‘protect’ workers. National Review. Retrieved Sept. 15, 2017, from https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2017- 04-17-0100/robots-taking-jobs-technology-workers
