Samson David
For most people, science-fiction movies such as Star Wars were an introduction to the possibilities of automation and robots. Droids such as R2D2 and C3PO from ‘a galaxy far, far away’ fascinated viewers with their ability to think independently, rationalize problems and act to ensure the best possible outcome. While we are still some way from building robots with such capabilities, automation and robotics today have achieved much that was previously in the realm of science fiction.
With rapid advances in technology, the global economy is at the threshold of another key inflection point – the fourth industrial revolution – driven by the increasing adoption of automation in labor and innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies.
Previously, the ripples from inflection points such as the early man discovering fire or the invention the steam engine and the printing press spread gradually, giving people across the world adequate time to assimilate these changes. However, the impact of automation and its rapid adoption is already becoming pervasive. For instance, the information technology (IT) industry is already leveraging automation for functions such as IT administration, infrastructure management and business process operations. Employees responsible for these functions need to develop skills in other areas. In fact, a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) report discusses the projected net loss of over five million jobs within next five years owing to automation and AI.
The common denominator for all industrial revolutions is the ability to amplify human potential. Previous inventions and discoveries have enabled progress by freeing up the time and resources of employees and increasing demand in global markets for new products, services and skills. Despite these disruptions, it is important to note that the right education, connectivity and training can help people leverage new inventions to improve their quality of life and work. Today, employees must learn to not depend on a finite set of skills developed during their formal education. They need to adapt to the change by replacing old skills with new ones. This will be the key differentiator for those looking to ride the wave and progress.
As the power of software drives this new wave, today’s workforce will be required to focus on jobs that add value and creativity. In the new world, enterprises will require employees with knowledge of coding new automation technologies and AI and the skills to leverage these to enhance value. Similar to any Star Wars movie, the fourth wave will be technology-driven and human-led. Emerging technologies in AI, deep neural networking and machine learning will enable us to redefine human creativity, innovation and productivity.
As a long-term solution, the world must focus on familiarizing young students with technology and fostering the spirit of learning, adaptation and curiosity to enhance creativity and imagination. Today, innovations in automation are already providing the tools required to realize this vision; what is needed is the right kind of education and skill development. It is understandable that people will experience a certain degree of apprehension and fear about the immediate impact of this fourth wave on employment. In the 19th century, the textile-mill workers underwent a similar experience on finding their jobs redundant overnight owing to the introduction of machines. However, in today’s connected world, there are numerous resources available to those who want to renew their way of working and thinking.
The disruption from AI and automation can be minimized by preparing for the future, today. It is not inconceivable to imagine a Rosie-like robot (from the Jetsons) that can complete daily human chores while demonstrating the ability to display human emotions and understanding. As technology continues to rise, and frees our minds from the mundane and the routine, we must embrace our calling to be more than what we are at the moment. Automation and AI will help us maximize the human potential by taking us beyond our capacity to be more than the sum of our past knowledge. Our learnability will open up new avenues in the future.
(The author is SVP - Head Global Services - Cloud & Infrastructure Services and Security, Infosys)
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