But you can relax; most of us will not be replaced by a robot. We just have to get used to the thought of sharing our job with one. This applies to both those on low incomes and those on high incomes. For example, financial planners in pin-stripe suits, doctors, engine drivers, taxi drivers and journalists.
“Yes, but I work with creative processes, after all”
The most depressing aspect is actually that studies reveal how much of what we do at work is routine work. Only 4% of our activities require creative input, and just under a third of what we do requires us to be sensitive to feelings. And to be honest, to really stick my neck out: many of us are about as sensitive to feelings as a robot.
Which jobs will and which jobs won’t be replaced by machines?
We are already seeing the potential for artificial intelligence and advanced robots in day-to-day life. Automated check-ins at airports, autopilots that guide aircraft, and automated passport scanning when you arrive at your destination. Nonetheless, automation will eliminate very few jobs in the coming years, but there will be consequences for almost every job to a greater or lesser extent. Robotisation has a potential to change sectors such as health and finance. Both sectors involve a considerable proportion of knowledge work. Thus, a number of jobs will be redefined rather than eliminated – at least in the short term. We therefore think that focusing on which vocations will become extinct is wrong. What is important is to focus on which processes will probably be automated and how the business model must then change and job descriptions redefined.