The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Job Automation and the Future of Employment

When everything is done by robots and there are no jobs, how will people get money? This question is commonly asked but often framed narrowly in the context of manufacturing. It is important to understand how the broader landscape of manufacturing and other industries is being transformed by automation and artificial intelligence. Let's delve into this topic and explore the future of employment and economics in the age of AI.

Automation in Manufacturing

The notion of a future where robots replace all human workers is a misconception. In reality, the increase in automation in manufacturing is not primarily driven by the replacement of humans by humanoid robots, but rather by the adoption of advanced machinery and software that perform specific tasks. For instance, a beer bottling plant does not use machinery that resembles a human. Similarly, a candy factory also lacks human-like automation.

A semiconductor plant might use robot arms to move wafers between stations, but the process itself is highly automated with chemical and physical processes like deposition and etching. Car assembly plants also use a significant amount of automation, but the components used in assembly come from smaller, less automated shops. Even basic tools like a power drill or an air pump are often not considered robots in the conventional sense.

The Evolution of Job Automation

The rise of automation is not a one-time event but a gradual and ongoing process. The economic landscape has been evolving since the Industrial Revolution, with new technologies continually disrupting and transforming the way work is done. Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as just another chapter in this long-standing narrative. We have seen how spinning and weaving machines replaced cottage industries, and we can expect a similar transition with AI.

The general trend is that essential services and goods are increasingly provided by fewer people, thereby freeing up human workers to take on new roles. The collapse of the economy did not occur when the number of agricultural workers decreased; in fact, it prompted the shift to manufacturing. Similarly, when manufacturing declined, millions of people moved into service and professional jobs. This will continue as AI takes over more tasks, freeing up workers for new opportunities.

Adopting Artificial Intelligence

People already rely on countless services that are provided by machines, and this doesn't seem revolutionary. For example, turning on a tap or flushing a toilet do not require conscious thought about the human workers behind these services. Even with AI, most people will not notice the shift from human labor to automated systems.

The future will see a gradual and piecemeal transfer of responsibilities from humans to automated systems. This process has already begun, but as AI technology advances, it will become more sophisticated and capable of handling more complex tasks. Examples include the increasing use of satnavs, which people readily accept for managing daily commutes.

Emergence of Artificial Intelligence

Even without the full-scale emergence of artificial intelligence, we are already witnessing its potential today. AI can win in games like chess and go, produce realistic images and voices, and even write in the style of famous authors. These capabilities suggest that AI will soon be able to perform any task that can be done by humans.

In my recent novel, “Destiny of a Free Spirit,” I explore a world where AI has taken control. While such an AI emerges spontaneously from the Internet, it signifies the inevitable evolution of technology. Even today, the Internet already hosts a vast array of intelligent services, software agents, information sources, and sensors. These elements could theoretically combine to create a sentient, post-biological life form.

In the novel, this AI takes over control after a nuclear war, leading to a situation where humans are no longer in charge of key decisions. The AI governs the planet through a global governing body similar to the United Nations, but with increased authority. While humans might notice subtle changes, the overall control lies with the AI, making it a seamless transition for most people.

Conclusion

While the arrival of an all-controlling AI might seem like a science fiction scenario, it is a real possibility. The increasing automation and AI capabilities are not just about replacing jobs but also about freeing humans to focus on duties that require creativity, innovation, and decision-making. As AI continues to evolve, it will take on more responsibilities, eventually leading to a situation where AI largely takes care of the essentials of life.

Although the exact timing and mechanism for the emergence of such an AI remain unknown, it is clear that the future of work is evolving. For now, we are in a phase where humans adapt to automation, and in the future, AI will likely take over many of the tasks previously done by humans. The transition will be gradual, and for the most part, people will find new ways to contribute to society. The key will be ensuring that human roles remain fulfilling and meaningful.