To put things in perspective, let’s take a quick look at current industrial and commercial technologies. Certainly, these technologies have been responsible for eliminating jobs, but they have also been instrumental in creating new jobs, facilitating job efficiencies and developing new markets within our economy. Their adoption also holds domestic benefits, compared to most outsourcing and offshoring solutions.
Automation – a current technology
Currently, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) technology is typically used to control automated assembly lines. On a factory assembly line, the automated machine that screws bottle caps onto bottles of ginger ale, for example, will use PLC technology to accurately perform this task. If wear-and-tear causes the machine’s accuracy to drift and the bottle caps don’t screw on tightly, a human PLC programmer will make adjustments to the code and correct the issue. Some assembly lines use robotics to perform advanced manipulations. Although, arms and grippers lend to human-like flexibility, they still use PLC technology for predetermined and predictable control.
Automated assembly line machines are extremely expensive. This is because they are custom designed and built to perform one specific task. The machine that screws bottle caps onto the bottles of ginger ale is night-and-day different than the machine that puts the labels onto those same bottles. PLC controlled robotics can be used for a variety of applications, however, they are typically engineered into a specific part of a production environment and programmed to perform a single task. Automated assembly line machines and robotics are expensive to buy, install and maintain. Because of this, their implementation is usually on a grand scale. Manufacturing, processing, mining, warehousing and agriculture are examples of environments that benefit from their use.
Automation has not replaced all assembly line positions. The visual inspection of product currently requires humans, to find and reject product that does not meet quality control standards. Logistical movement often requires human interaction, to handle unfinished and finished goods . Behind the scenes, the experts who install, maintain and repair industrial machinery will always be in high demand.
Computers – a current technology
Computers, smart phones and the internet are so ingrained in our lives, it’s challenging to think of life without them. With a giant scope of influence within our economy, there is little regret in adopting these technologies. When considering the new markets and advanced business efficiencies computer technologies have created, resulting job losses are almost viewed as collateral damage. The most recent social change that computer technology has facilitated is the sharing economy. Ride sharing applications like Uber and space sharing applications like Airbnb allow people to make money by leveraging their personal possessions and providing services. Although, Uber and Airbnb will stress the taxi and hotel industries, they will shift employment more than they will eliminating jobs.
AI – A current technology?
Because AI is in use today, some might view it as a current technology. As we look at the trajectory of AI, we will see that it is an infant, in its current form. When AI start replacing human workers, its presence will be highly visible, as well as controversial.
Putting change into perspective
It is important to note, AI will not drastically change the current technologies that have previously replaced jobs. The machine that screws the bottle caps onto the bottles of ginger ale will look the same; AI will allow it to visually inspect product, self-diagnose issues and efficiently schedule down-time. The computer software that keeps track of inventory at the local supermarket will continue to do so. AI will allow it to more accurately predict trends and make purchasing decisions that result in less waste.
In general, when AI becomes an extension of a current technology, it will be used as a tool, guided by experts. When AI materializes as a new solution, designed to perform human tasks, it will compete with humans and eventually take jobs.