Question

• Think of an invention or piece of technology that has resulted in the elimination of a job or profession? How did it improve our lives?

• Which jobs are most in jeopardy of being eliminated due to automation after the economy reopens?

• Which segment of our labor population are most vulnerable to automation impacting their job opportunities

Answer 1

Technology has started to replace the work performed by humans in the form of robots, machines etc.which has resulted in elimination of jobs for human workforce.

An invention or technology that has eliminated jobs for humans can be explained with the below examples:

1. Lift operator - earlier, lifts were operated by a human lift controller who controlled the lever and judged when to stop the lift alongwith opening and closing of gates. But, with technological advancement lift moves up and down with the press of buttons and thus, has eliminated the jobs of lift operators.

2. Film Projectionist - earlier a film projectionist was needed to run a mechanical projector. It was a physical task which needed an experienced operator who loaded the film reels, kept them changing with a view to keep the film running. But, digital projectors have made running of films so easier that the job of film projectionist is near to extinction because of technology.

3. Factory workers - advancement in technology has created several machines which has replaced labour in many factories. Many big production factories uses machines for grading, packaging, labelling etc. works which were earlier done by human work force.

Advancement in technology like new machines, robots have made a significant effect on life mankind in a postive sense. Earlier, works which were performed by human like ploughing the fields with bullocks, transport using horsecarts etc have now been replaced by modernised tractors, numerous vehicles for transportation which has resulted in reduced human efforts, timely completion of tasks, cost benefits and has paved the way for technological progress.

But, due to automation i.e. introduction of machines humans have fear of losing jobs. Some jobs are at great risk of being eliminated due to automation after economy reopens. It includes areas like : transportation, construction works, waiters and waitresses, warehouse and manufacturing jobs, cashier, fast food services and many other. These are the areas that will be completely automatised in near future with reopening of economy.

Automation will affect the operational level work force the most because they perform regular tasks which require limited skills like manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, waiters etc. These tasks can be performed by installing robots with instuctions to perform specific set of functions

Therefore, core operational workers will be affected the most by automation.