Are AI and Robotics Taking Over Our Workforce

Are AI and Robotics Taking Over Our Workforce Photo Credit- Pexels.comAutomation has the potential to transform industries. Untiring and efficient, robotics and artificial intelligence For further analysis, McKinsey divided jobs into three categories:1. Highly Susceptible to AutomationPredictable physical work: 78% of time spent can be automated. Welding and soldering on an assembly line, food preparation, packaging goods, etc.Data processing: 69% of time spent can be automatedData collection: 64% of time spent can be automated2. Less Susceptible to AutomationUnpredictable physical work: 25% of time spent can be automatedConstruction, forestry, raising outdoor animals, etc.Stakeholder interaction: 20% of time spent can be automated.3. Least Susceptible to AutomationApplying expertise: 18% of time spent can be automatedCoding, copywriting, etc.Managing others: 9% of time spent can be automatedRegarding jobs with high susceptibility to automation, McKinsey concluded by saying that, “Since predictable physical activities figure p rominently in sectors such as manufacturing, food service and accommodations, and retailing, these are the most susceptible to automation based on technical considerations alone.”The Effect of Increase Labor WagesPhoto Credit- stocklogos.comThere was a 5% wage inflation last year, and it’s expected to be 4% this year. These increases in minimum wage, especially in the fast food industry, have led some brands to turn to robotics and automation to offset costs associated with higher wages.Wendy’s, a prime example, recently announced that it plans on installing self-ordering kiosks in 1,000 of its locations by the end of the year, an endeavor that it started last year.evalDavid Trimm, CIO of Wendy’s, explained that “there is a huge amount of pull fromAfter all, AI can search more thoroughly, piece codes faster, and achieve better results than a human.DeepCoderExemplifying the concerns outlined above, researchers at Microsoft and the University of Cambridge have created a syst em called DeepCoder that can write its own code using machine learning and a technique called program synthesis.In its most basic form, program synthesis takes lines of code from existing software and pieces them together to create new programs, just like a programmer might do.Photo Credit â€" Pexels.comThis allows people from all walks of life, from experienced coders to introductory level students, to build basic programs.In essence, they need only describe an idea and let the program do the heavy lifting. With a given list of inputs and outputs for each code fragment, DeepCoder learns which pieces of code were needed to achieve the desired results. It can then create programs in fractions of a second, improving over time as it learns which combinations work and which don’t.In its current state and limitations, DeepCoder can work with a maximum of five lines of code. It won’t be taking over any programming jobs just yet, but who knows what the future holds. For now, it’s doi ng some of the tedious parts of programming, leaving coders to devote their time to more sophisticated work.We’re Safe… for NowAutomation is nothing new, nor is is something to be feared. We have self-checkouts in grocery stores, industrial automation in car assembly plants, and even online shopping.For the most part, automation benefits us by replacing hard physical labor and monotonous work. It also improves our well-being by taking over jobs that pose safety issues.Our concerns, if any, should come when advances in AI make it indistinguishable from a human mind. Until then, if there is a then, we’re okay.