AM I NEXT? BOSTON DYNAMICS -- DANGEROUS DANCING ROBOTS

Atlas, Spot, and Handle Robots are featured in this amazing video of dancing robots.

But, while Waltham, Massachusetts-based Boston Dynamics' dancing robots are fun to watch, they are little more than a capabilities demonstration when companies consider replacing humans in the workplace.

As the company warns, these are extremely dangerous industrial robots with powerful motors and numerous pinch/crush and impact points that can easily hurt humans if operated without use and safety training.

Seoul, South Korea-based Hyundai, a large multinational conglomerate, has purchased an 80% controlling stake in the robot company with the intention to increase automation of its own production tasks as well as market the technology to others industries seeking to automate their operations.

One should consider why this strategic capability was not purchased by an American company as its products have dual-use military/commercial applications.

It is important to watch the purchase and lease prices of automation equipment in order to estimate the point where it is cost-effective to replace humans to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and eliminate union interference.

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life or promises for a bright future. Just because something bad hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

JOB LOSS: ROBOT IS THE WRONG WORD

When most individuals think of job-killing robots, they think of automated devices on the factory floor that tireless toil as a replacement for humans. These are the so-called "blue collar" robots.

Time to readjust your thinking?

But few consider the "white collar robots" that rarely are visible and inhabit places other than the factory floor. These oft-invisible robots can replace your position as surely as a robotic welder can replace a human.

The white-collar robots have no exoskeleton or physical structure, they are embedded systems residing on chips. They often take the form of "expert systems" that dumb-down decision-making to the point where barely literate teenagers can operate with the effectiveness and efficiency of PhDs. 

The key is to look at your position and the ways in which it can be automated. From data capture, display, decision-making, and monitoring. And asking how long before my position can be automated. The handwriting is on the wall.

Is there hope?

Are we looking at a dystopian future of a reduced standard of living, falling wages, massive unemployment, and increasing inequality between investors, managers, and employees?

Historically speaking, disruption in the labor markets has always been with us since the rise of the automated loom, the use of steam-powered devices, the widespread use of electric motors, and now the coupling of automation with labor-saving devices. However, while disruptions did impact industries and individuals, the benefits to society increased and individuals were re-accommodated within newly-rejiggered positions. 

What is different this time is that our population is aging and individuals graduating from schools are more well-versed in modern technology tools than the current workforce. So the question becomes one of dealing with aging workers at or near the end of their careers. 

Moreover, when one considers the outsourcing of manufacturing to low-wage countries, how long will it be before the cost of automated labor is reduced below that of competent human workers.

And, if you are looking toward governmental policies as a solution to some of the thornier issues of automation in the workplace, one need only remember that policy is controlled by a relatively few special interests that can afford to corrupt political discourse.

It is time to reconsider everything, much in the same manner, as we would use zero-based budgeting to re-evaluate and prioritize the most efficient use of our resources, be they time, effort, or money. 

Are you wondering, Am I Next?

WHAT JOBS ARE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO AUTOMATION?

On numerous occasions, I am asked to glimpse into the future to determine which jobs may be at risk from artificial intelligence, expert systems, and robotics.

I normally turn the question around and ask their opinion before providing mine. The two answers are often quite divergent as people tend to respond with specific jobs whereas I am more inclined to consider the process.

In general, the most susceptible jobs are those that involve simple repetitive motions and/or are well-defined with procedural steps and a finite number of rules.

In all practicality, if you can flowchart your daily tasks, your job is susceptible to automation and further elimination.