We live in amazing times. With driverless cars, instant deliveries via drones and online chatbots taking our takeaway orders on Friday night, robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered devices are even predicted to
take over the world one day.
But although this statement is very much up for debate, companies around the world are already deploying this technology to make our lives and jobs easier by, for example, automating transport or designing robots to perform tasks, such as bomb defusing, that are too dangerous for ordinary humans. And while this is great that the robots are starting to think and behave like real humans, there is one fundamental question everyone seems to ask themselves – can robots be improved to a level at which they can replace human workers at all jobs?
With the national ‘#LoveYourRobotDay’ happening today, we investigate if the on-going AI revolution could realistically impact the next generation of people in the HR industry.
The history of robots
To understand why everyone is so obsessed with AI and automation, let’s start off by learning how and why robots were actually invented.
The history of robotics starts with the Greek philosopher Aristotle’s ideas about automated tools. As time passed, inventors from around the world have been scratching their heads wondering whether automation can really be achieved. Eventually, they came up with the concept of control technology, the mathematical theory that began in the 18th century, and advanced rapidly in the 20th.
In 1954, the very first commercial and programmable robot called the Unimate was designed by George Devol - an American inventor.
The Unimate was made of two joined computer-like boxes connected to an arm, with systematic tasks stored in a drum memory. It was responsible for advanced, and often dangerous for a human worker, material handling in industrial production. The patent was eventually sold to General Motors in 1961 and was soon followed by a growing demand for the production of more AI-powered workers to carry out the majority of dangerous and industrial jobs.
Robots in the workplace - the benefits
The public opinion about employing robots in the workplace is very divided, but the truth is robots are much needed in many rapidly changing industries such as telecommunication, packing & shipping and customer service.
This statement is especially true for industries that require their staff to perform routine and predictable tasks, where performance can be significantly boosted by employing robots to carry out the majority of those jobs.
Deploying AI technology can also bring a significant return on investment, as technology-powered ‘staff’ can perform many factory production tasks far faster than their human counterparts, and with greater quality and precision. The realised cost savings can be significant too as robots don’t need an expensive healthcare plan or pension, which makes them a very profitable asset to any rapidly-growing business.
Can a robot take your job?
A recent study from Salary.com brought to light nine jobs that are the most likely to be taken over by robots in the very near future:
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Telemarketer - 99% chance of automation
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Loan Officer - 98% chance of automation
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Credit Analyst – 98% chance of automation
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Cashier – 97% chance of automation
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Line Cook – 96% chance of automation
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Paralegal – 95% chance of automation
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Accountant – 94% chance of automation
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Roofer – 90% chance of automation
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Bus Driver – 89% chance of automation
In contrast, a report released by Oxford University revealed 22 jobs that have a 0.4% chance or less of being automated:
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Recreational Therapists
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First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers and Repairers
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Emergency Management Directors
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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
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Audiologists
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Occupational Therapists
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Orthotists and Prosthetists
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Healthcare Social Workers
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Occupational Therapists
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First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers
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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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Lodging Managers
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Dietitians and Nutritionists
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Choreographers
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Sales Engineers
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Instructional Coordinators
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Physicians and Surgeons
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Psychologists
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Elementary School Teachers
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General Dentists
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First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
How to prepare for job automation?
If you are feeling worried because you found that your job is likely to be automated, worry not – it will be a long process before the technology gets advanced enough for robots to be able to carry out any job error-free.
While we wait, a perfect opportunity presents itself for you to grow and adopt any new skills you might need when full-automation comes to life.
If your current employer is thinking about ways to increase productivity through automation, talk to them about what training/skills you need to polish in order to prepare. There are a number of skills and areas of expertise that will be in demand, e.g. to be digitally literate, which can be a great boost to your CV whether you would like to stay with your current company or go elsewhere.