“You are not losing to AI, AI is just an enabler.” – Chang Lih Kang, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Malaysia.
The topic that spirals around the rise of automation often sparks fear and anxiety among people. Major headlines covered by many media outlets scream about robots taking our jobs, leaving us unemployed while awaiting a future dominated by machines… But is this the reality of it?
History shows that technological advancements, while sometimes disrupting existing jobs, ultimately create new opportunities and industries. For instance, the printing press might have made scribes obsolete, but it paved the way for a whole new world of printing, publishing, and communication.
Similarly, the rise of the automobile, while ending the era of horse-drawn carriages, led to the development of car manufacturing, road construction, and a whole new transportation industry. These shifts did not result in mass unemployment; instead, they opened doors to new jobs and economic growth.
Automation is no different. While it may automate certain tasks, it also opens up new possibilities. Here’s how :
Relieving repetitive tasks:
Automation can handle tedious, repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more creative, strategic, and complex work. With the assistance of automation, factory workers will no longer be spending long hours on a monotonous assembly line, but instead make use of their skills to design and troubleshoot complex machinery. machinery.
Boosting productivity:
Automation can significantly increase productivity, leading to higher output and lower costs. This can create a more competitive environment, leading to economic growth and the creation of new jobs in areas like maintenance and data analysis.
Creating new industries:
Automation is driving the development of entirely new industries. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is creating opportunities in fields like machine learning, computer vision, deep learning, and robotics engineering.
However, it is important to note that the transition to a more automated future will be challenging at this period of time. Therefore, it is crucial for employers to ensure that their employees are able to adapt to the changing demands of the industrial market, by having reskilling and upskilling in the workforce.
Governments and businesses are responsible for investing in training programs to equip workers with the skills they need to thrive in an automated world.
Ultimately, automation isn’t about replacing humans, but rather about enhancing our capabilities. By embracing automation and focusing on reskilling, we can create a future where humans and machines work together to achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and innovation.