An optimistic view of bot driven automation on the future of jobs Are bots and other technologies taking over the world and relegating us humans to third-rate status? Before you get your knickers in a knot, remember this is typically the result of automation. Automation does eliminate some jobs but maybe that’s not a bad thing. As we contemplate what to do with the greater freedom the digital disruption will provide, let’s also consider lessons from earlier automation eras. Yes we have seen the decline of video stores, lift (elevator) operators, typing pools, bus conductors, switchboard operators, theatre ushers, and many more over the years. We will still see petrol pump attendants disappear (in South Africa still to happen), many brick & mortar stores along with their cashiers and bag packers, some surgeons, shelf packers, and many more. On the bright side think back a bit over 20 plus years and there were no cellphone shops nor cellular networks and look how many there are today. Go back a bit further to say 35 years and a massive industry spawned out of personal desktop computers - think how many computer manufacturers, computes retail stores, computer support, software development, games, etc exist today. It is massive and none of it existed 35 to 40 years back. Before the advent of "automatic" washing machines, does anyone remember how long it took to wash clothes by hand? In fact, before the automobile how long did it take to travel 100 miles (or 160km)? And after the automobile we got mechanics employed as a new type of job! Yes we lost horse stable owners but we gained many other jobs in fcat. So it is very much about seeking out what is coming next, and skilling people up to prepare for it as the job opportunities will follow, and people are less threatened if they see these opportunities for what they are. It's time to think what opportunities there will be around robotics, artificial… http://bit.ly/2fOOvLr
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