Robots, Drones and AI... Are your jobs safe?steemCreated with Sketch.

in #life7 years ago (edited)

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Over the last decade there have been significant advancements in developing AI. The theory is if you can create a machine with the capability of learning it wouldn't be burdened by the limitations of the human body. Think of it for a second, a machine never has the interruption of needing breaks or a sleeping schedule. That is why you can see automation all around us, even today. Self checkouts, Online shopping, Robot vacuums, ATM'S, Drones, Autonomous driving. The point is machines are coming for our jobs whether we like it or not. It's much more cost effective and efficient for the employer to use robots in certain cases.

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The pros and cons of autonomous driving
Now Tesla's results have blown many people away with its luxury intelligent cars. One of the brands most recognizable features is the Autopilot mode, which actually takes over the wheel for you. Although the software isn't perfect it still is more reliable then most humans behind the wheel (sadly).

PROS:

  • Long term millions of lives will be saved through improved self driving technologies.
  • You can potentially rent your car out while you're at work to work as an Uber for you.
  • Parts/fuel economy will last much longer without the extra abuse certain people might put on them.
  • Cheaper costs to transport goods commercially if there's not the additional expense of paying a driver hourly.
  • Potentially sleeping in your car after the technology is more perfected.
  • Eating and driving has never been easier
  • Hopefully cheaper pizza/shipping delivery prices :D.
  • Potentially no more traffic/speeding tickets.

CONS:

  • Thousands of jobs are going to gradually disappear (Delivery drivers, Cab drivers, Uber Drivers, Truckers, Chauffeurs).
  • If all driving eventually becomes into a grid like system you're going to feel you lost a sense of freedom.
  • Massive job loss will probably mess the up the economy, effecting your finances voluntarily or not.
  • Harder to deal with insurance claims potentially?

Did I forget any Pros or Cons? Feel free to add some in the comments below!

Conclusion to autonomous driving: There are many good points on both sides. The real question is do we want more jobs and more automobile deaths? OR do we want less jobs (which will come with an economic struggle) and less automobile accidents? I think we will have to adapt to sharing the roads with self driving cars. The future is coming whether we like it or not, and its important we try to prepare ourselves so it doesn't negatively impact us. Clearly there is still a long way for self driving cars to come, but it will happen much faster than most people would think.

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What about the factories?
A company in China called Changying Precision Technology in Dongguan city has just recently established an almost fully unmanned factory. This factory happens to have overwhelming results in productivity and lack of defects. The company previously had 650 employees, since the robots were installed they are down to 60 employees. The GM of the company has recently claimed they plan on potentially dropping down to as few as 20 employees. The robots are producing almost triple the amount of pieces compared to before the installation (initially 8000 pieces to now 21,000 pieces). The products originally had a 25% defect rate, that defect rate is down to 5%
full article on the factory: http://www.techrepublic.com/article/chinese-factory-replaces-90-of-humans-with-robots-production-soars/

That article was done in 2015, as most of you know technology gets better and better every year. What will these robotics be capable in 2020? 2025? 2030? We can all hope that politicians have our best interests in mind, doing all they can to protect our jobs and economy. With the recent elections however, I'm not sure if the economy is in stable hands.

This video below shows how robotics can play a role in the food industry, eventually maybe flipping burgers at McDonalds near you.

Conclusion:
We live in a constantly changing world. There will be challenges and opportunities you are confronted with on a daily basis. I didn't make this post to intentionally scare anyone. I'm a firm believer in preparing for the future, if you have a job in the driving/factory industries it might be a good idea to try to re position yourselves in the companies within the next 5-10 years when mass adoption is likely. This is my first post, I hope some of you found it interesting and if you did please mention so below. I'm looking forward to continue contributing and connecting with the rest of you on steemit!

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