The infiltration of automation and robotic workers have long been perceived as both a help and hindrance to modern business. Automation provides innovative and faster processes, while simultaneously relegating roles from human to robot hands. Such a shake-up has long been expected and feared. Business can- and should- prepare their finances and employees for artificial intelligence.
The World Economic Forum has released new data about the country’s automation future. According to the Swiss think tank, robots could displace 75 million jobs globally by 2022. It’s not all doom and gloom, however, with the same report also predicting the creation of 133 million new roles. Every machine will need a controller or repairman, no machine will be wholly independent of human intervention.
British business has struggled to maintain momentum since Brexit, it could, therefore, be wise to embrace help in any shape or metal alloy. The WEF agreed with this sentiment, stating that robots could “vastly improve” the productivity of existing jobs. As productivity has slumped in recent years, improved performance could help business sectors in a large way. Online supermarket, Ocado, for example, has recently experienced strong success from their new automated warehouses. The retailer’s increased output has helped them meet consumer demand.
Of course, this will have an inevitable impact on modern employment. While customer service and marketing roles could increase due to their emphasis on “human traits”, the think tank warned against the “significant disruption” to more menial roles. Industries such as administration, accounting and manufacturing could become “redundant”, with most tasks handed over to robot employees.