Technical unemployment is the term Jon Maynard Keynes used to describe the loss of human jobs to machines. His prediction in 1930 was that by 100 years later we may have just 15 hours a week employment. This has not yet come to fruition as certain human traits cannot be replicated. The current figure shows that this is getting closer, as McKinsey has analysed things and determined that 45% of the current workload could be carried out as a result of technology that already exists. Artificial intelligence should soon move onto human skills such as covering clear ground, communication and the processing of information.
Examples of the vulnerable roles are truck drivers and call centre workers. Within the following 10 to 20 years around 80% of jobs at the lower end of the wage scale could be lost to robots and the level of programming will not be so intense and require skilled engineers.
“Many of the tasks that simply had to be done by humans in the past will soon fall within their growing capabilities — as we already see with jobs as diverse as security guards, call center workers and truck drivers.“
Machine learning is the process by which computer algorithms can detect patterns and analyse digital data to refine their actions. Trial and error allow the robot to develop quickly and adapt to additional new tasks.
3D printing and drones lead the way, and could take tens of thousands of jobs. Machines have taken jobs in the past, but it is harder to find an area from which they can be excluded. Calls are made for a universal income allowing all to enjoy life without having to labor by Andrew Ng an AI researcher. Labor will always be needed, but humans don’t have to provide it.
