While some experts believe that AI will lead to a golden age of prosperity and leisure, others fear that it will result in a permanent underclass of people who cannot find work because their jobs have been automated.

According to research from PwC, by the mid-2030s, one-third of all employment will be at risk of being automated, with the workforce segment most likely to be affected being individuals with a low level of education. However, anxiety about employment losses induced by greater use of machines has existed for centuries, with each breakthrough posing a threat to someone's livelihood or quality of life.

The history of automation and robotics provides a glimpse into how these technologies have impacted employment in the past

For instance, manual labor was the norm in the 16th century until a priest called William Lee came up with the concept of mechanizing the stocking-making process. While his machine had a limited influence, it established the foundation for later textile machine improvements.

Hundreds of years later, English textile workers were confronted with even more drastic changes, with the Industrial Revolution resulting in people moving from rural areas to the new, fast-growing metropolis. Steam-powered machinery allowed hand-crafted things previously to reach unprecedented output levels. However, mechanization posed a problem for farmworkers as well. In the United Kingdom, a movement known as the Luddites protested the rising use of automation, resulting in riots, wrecked machines, and set fire to the homes of business owners.

Towards the end of the twentieth century, the employment of robots in car manufacturing grew more frequent. Robots were designed to do simple, repetitive activities, such as welding and spray-painting, and assisted in increasing output, standardizing production quality, and controlling costs. However, as technology has progressed, the list of activities that robots can now perform has grown to include more sophisticated procedures, such as installing windscreens in vehicles, and they are commonly used in factories to transport large and bulky objects.

As corporations seek to minimize COVID-19 infections in the workplace while keeping operational expenses low, the push to replace humans with machinery is rising

The replacement of humans by computers may pick up speed as firms go from survival mode to figuring out how to operate while the pandemic carries on. According to a recent report by economists Daron Acemoglu at MIT and Boston University, robots could replace 2 million more employees in manufacturing alone by 2025.

However, the shift towards automation and artificial intelligence in the workplace is not without its challenges. One of the main concerns is the potential loss of jobs, particularly for individuals with lower levels of education and skills that can be easily automated. This could lead to a permanent underclass of people who cannot find work because their jobs have been automated.

In addition, there is also the concern that super-intelligent computers could one day take over the planet, leaving humans with little use. While this scenario may seem far-fetched, it is important to consider the ethical implications of developing AI that is more intelligent than humans and could potentially pose a threat to our existence.

Another concern is the impact that automation and AI could have on the workforce, particularly in terms of widening the wealth gap

As companies invest in automation to increase efficiency and reduce costs, the benefits may not be distributed equally among workers, and could lead to greater income inequality.

Despite these concerns, there are also potential benefits to the increased use of automation and AI in the workplace

For one, it could lead to increased productivity and efficiency, as machines are better able to handle repetitive and mundane tasks, leaving humans to focus on more creative and higher-level work.

Additionally, automation could lead to the creation of new jobs in fields related to robotics and AI development and maintenance. For example, as companies invest in new automation technologies, they will need individuals with the skills and knowledge to design, develop, and maintain these systems.

Moreover, automation could lead to the creation of new industries and markets, as companies are able to produce goods and services more efficiently and at lower costs, leading to increased demand and growth.

In conclusion, the impact of automation and AI on jobs in the future is still uncertain

While there are concerns about the potential loss of jobs and widening wealth gap, there are also potential benefits, such as increased productivity and the creation of new industries and jobs. As technology continues to advance, it will be important to consider the ethical implications of these developments and work towards creating a future that benefits both workers and society as a whole.