I wrote, the during Covid-19 crisis, that its impact on jobs would be profound, with companies looking to reduce staff costs and automate as much as possible.
Well, it has started to happen. IBM announced, according to newspapers, like the Metro, that it would cull over 7,800 jobs by using AI bots. Most would go in back-office roles. The paper reported most would go in graduate related fields as AI machines are build increasing in many sectors, but manuals jobs would be safe.
I would say that is not true, even building sites will have automation in place. After all, which company wants shoddy workmanship when a AI base robot builder will do it 24/7, come rain or shine, no holiday sickness days off or pay related disputes at the fraction of the long-term human costs.
This trend started in the automotive industry many years ago, with machines doing eighty percent of the tasks, but is now about to hit all sectors in big way due to AI developments. Most major militaries have or are embracing drone warfare, automation and support.
The key for a safer world, however, is governance and rules to prevent abuses by and off AI applications. Asimov’s world awaits the next generation of citizens and wealth creators, but we have to prepare now.
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