The Robots Are Coming!!

[GymLadTim]

We all know that technology has the potential to benefit us and make our lives better. But one serious worry I have for the future is that more and more jobs are now becoming automated. This means that machines, robots and algorithms are increasingly doing the work that people used to do.

I read a survey where 75% of people said that they thought their jobs would not be needed in the future. Economists estimate that 47% Of All Jobs Will Be Automated By 2034,and economies are not generating new jobs anywhere near fast enough to replace them.

You only have to walk into your local supermarket or McDonalds to see robots doing the work humans did, and what is going to be the impact of driverless cars, robot care workers, and super efficient household gadgets?

Low skilled work is already becoming increasing insecure. I can’t see that governments are doing much to deal with this issue. How will our population work and sustain itself in the future. In an perfect world it would mean that we could all spend more time on leisure or with our loved ones but how will we earn money???

What do you think about all this?

Timmy

[fiction-factory]

I's sure that 50 years ago we were all being told that we would have so much leisure time as automation would greatly reduce the need for labour. Didn't the Luddites think something similar in the 19thh century. I think the jobs will still exist but they will be different jobs, just as many jobs now didn't exist in this form 30 years ago

[pixie374]

Robot care workers? Where is this?

[fiction-factory]

Sorry- keyboard is too small and my eyes are bleary

[Bobbisox1]

Some I’ve been served by in shops definitely fit that criteria :0/

[pixie374]

Mine will always be safe, as it can't be replaced by robots. But as ff, says, usually jobs change, rather than disappear.

[fiction-factory]

And remember, as TTT keeps reminding us, robots can't even make a cup of tea so we'll always need people to do that

[pixie374]

Even a kettle or toaster can't do those jobs instantly :-)
I doubt anyone will hold their breath...

[GymLadTim]

Hi Pixie,

Robots are being used I some UK care homes now.

https://www.carehome.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1581587/EU-funded-robots-to-aid-UK-care-staff

What job do you do if you don't mind me asking?

Tim

[Mamyalynne]

Can they change nappies on wriggling babies?

[GymLadTim]

No I doubt they would be able to do that.

[Old_Geezer]

And yet they still moan about not enough folk in the future to pay sufficient tax to fund the pensions of the aging society. Just tax the robots. The trick is to ensure instead of creating a two tier society, all get 'shorter working hours' and more leisure time.

What's weird is first pointing out how all these robots will be beavering away creating wealth for the nation, then wondering where everyone's income could come from. Just don't keep putting right wing political parties into power.

[GymLadTim]

I'd like this robot as my carer. Sooooo cute.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/06/japan-robots-will-care-for-80-of-elderly-by-2020

[ummmm]

Who will build and fix the robots?

[pixie374]

Not at all, Tim, I have a homecare business :-). And while I can see robots could take over manual work in many places... there is no way they are anywhere near able to recognise and respond appropriately to facial expressions, emotions etc.. instinctive to humans... but if a machine is ever taught that, I will eat both my hat and yours :-)

[GymLadTim]

Old Geezer - I do hope this leads to us all having more time with our loved ones in the future but I have my doubts. Technology will probably make the rich richer and the poor poorer.

[GymLadTim]

Thanks Pixie - yes I think jobs that require a lot of human interaction will be very difficult to replace. I worked in a care home for a while where we had some technology. In the office there was a panel with all the flat number and it sounded an alarm of there was no movement for 12 hours. Basically to make sure no one had died or fallen and been left for over 12 hours.

[Mamyalynne]

There are obviously situations where they van be beneficial .

Some cute ones towards the end here for you Tim.

[pixie374]

Technology is often helpful... and it obviously has its place. But it will never replace human interaction, because people need other people.

[GymLadTim]

Thanks Mamyalynne I want that one who walks with the tray to bring me my breakfast every morning.

[Mamyalynne]

Oh no, while my legs still work in a fashion I'll keep using them.