With technological advancement and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the machine workforce is increasing and creating a competitive environment for its human counterparts. Machines have been slowly and steadily creeping through the workforce, and more and more jobs are becoming automated.
Though factory workers have been the worst hit up to now, this AI-driven automated workforce is not limited to factories only. The retail industry, mining, money managers, manufacturing industry, and food industry, have also embraced automation as part of their business operations.
So, what will it look like when machines can do your job?
Man Versus Machine
There is an optimistic side to the man versus machine scenario. Instead of firing employees who lose their jobs to machines, companies can re-train them for other roles that software cannot easily perform. Humans and machines can complement each other in their work functions. Companies can re-design and create new job roles which offer a more satisfying and rewarding career rather than performing the repetitive jobs that machines can do.
The tech industry and other industries directly or indirectly related to it will continue to grow for job seekers in different sectors. Job seekers should research the latest market trends and opt for jobs that are in sync with the automated work environment and educate themselves accordingly.
But Can a Machine Replace a Human Altogether?
Can a machine face all the unexpected challenges that the real world throws at us? There are numerous complex tasks that we usually take for granted when a human performs them. Getting a machine to do so is a different matter altogether. So far, machines have only been programmed to work in a tightly controlled environment. A human mind is capable of facing a multitude of varied circumstances that crop up in the real world.
For example, self-driven cars are programmed to keep their passengers safe. However, what would happen if a pedestrian suddenly jumped in front of the vehicle and the choices were to hit the pedestrian or steer into a ditch? A machine may not be able to reason under such circumstances, but a human can.
Robots also struggle with menial tasks that are quite easy for a human, like making a sandwich, or picking items off a shelf in a department store. There are innumerable human attributes that machines can’t replicate. Robots don’t possess the ability to think critically, nor do they have emotional intelligence, or creativity. So, although machines have advantages, we expect there will always remain a requirement for specialized skills that only a human can provide.
BSC Solutions Group’s specialized skills include providing fully managed IT services including cyber security solutions. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help your organization with your IT concerns.
