My Job Was Taken by a Robot
In the near future, many job types will be replaced by AI and robots.
Excited by the evolution of AI and robots... but aren't you feeling a little anxious deep down?
“AI will take away human jobs”
“In the near future, many job types will be replaced by robots.”
Over the past few years, we have been seeing and hearing about these topics more and more.
While we are excited about the convenient future that technological evolution brings, many of us may also be harboring a vague sense of anxiety, wondering:
“Is my job really going to be okay?”
“What will happen to us if our jobs are taken by robots?”
It is only natural to feel a sense of impatience, as if you are being left behind, because technological progress is so rapid.
However, to give you the conclusion first, there is absolutely no need to be overly afraid.
This is because, looking back at history, new technologies have brought not only the “disappearance of jobs” but also “new opportunities and a richer way of life” beyond that.
In this article, while introducing realistic examples of robotization actually happening on the front lines (such as cutting-edge initiatives at AISIN and others), I will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the “new roles for humans” that await after jobs transition to robots, and the “three points we should prepare for now.”
By the time you finish reading this article, you should be able to view the evolution of robots not as a “threat,” but as a “reliable partner” that will make your life richer.
Let’s find tips together for living through this era of rapid change with peace of mind!
1. [Liberation from Labor] Robots take on “arduous tasks,” and humans move to a “safe and comfortable environment”
When we hear that jobs are being taken by robots, many people tend to imagine a “tragedy where humans are driven out of the workplace.”
However, what is actually happening on the front lines is “liberation from arduous labor that humans could not do even if they wanted to, or should not have been doing.”
As a concrete example, let’s look at the robotization initiatives underway at the factories of automotive parts giant “AISIN.”
In factories, which are the front lines of manufacturing, there have been many tasks with a heavy physical burden, such as humans carrying heavy parts repeatedly or continuing precise work in hot and humid environments.
At AISIN, they are actively introducing the latest collaborative robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) into these areas of “heavy labor” and “tasks involving danger.”
For example, robots have begun to take over processes that handle heavy objects or line work that is monotonous and needs to be repeated many times.
As a result, people working on the front lines are freed from the risk of health damage such as lower back pain, and are able to work in a safer and cleaner environment.
In other words, what robots have taken is not “human work” itself, but “labor that forced a burden on humans.”
By having robots take on arduous tasks, humans can obtain an environment where they can work healthily for a long time without wearing out their physical strength.
2. [Change in Roles] From “Worker” to “Creator”! Focusing on value creation that only humans can do
So, what will humans do in factories and workplaces after handing over arduous tasks to robots?
The answer is a “shift to higher value-added tasks that only humans can do.”
Let’s think about this again based on the AISIN case.
As a result of the progress of robotization in the factory, the role of employees has changed from “workers who move things with their own hands” to “creators and engineers who manage robot systems and improve the entire production line for the better.”
Robots are good at performing set tasks at high speed without a single error, but they are not good at noticing discomfort on the front lines, such as “Why are there so many errors lately?” or “How can we make this more efficient?” and working out improvement measures.
This is where a new place for humans to play an active role is born.
Humans will be able to spend time on “intellectual tasks” and “tasks requiring communication” such as the following:
* Process improvement and planning: Thinking about more efficient production methods while watching data trends.
* Robot management: Adjusting settings and performing maintenance so that robots move smoothly.
* Team care and development: Increasing the motivation of working members and making teamwork smooth.
By leaving monotonous tasks to robots, humans will be able to use their brain space for “generating new ideas” and “solving problems.”
This means that work will evolve from “boring tasks” to “creative challenges that use the head.”
3. [Acquisition of New Skills] Obtaining weapons for the future through “reskilling” and increasing market value
The most important thing for us not to be left stranded in a society where robotization is progressing.
That is “reskilling” (re-learning) to acquire new skills in line with the changes of the times.
There is no need to be anxious, thinking, “Can I really study something new at this point...?”
Companies are also beginning to prepare systems to fully support workers so that they can smoothly transition to new roles.
At leading companies like AISIN, in parallel with the introduction of robots, they are enthusiastically conducting digital education and technical training for employees.
Cases are emerging one after another where front-line workers who had no experience operating machinery acquire robot programming and data analysis skills through in-house training and are reborn as DX (Digital Transformation) talent.
This is a very big opportunity for working individuals.
This is because you can use the company’s money and systems to acquire the “cutting-edge skills” that will be most in demand in the coming era.
The process of jobs being replaced by robots is also a “chance to skyrocket your market value” as a talent.
By changing your weapons from “manual skills” to “skills to master technology,” you can become a strong business person who will be valued wherever you go in the coming era.
Summary: No need to be afraid! Make robots your partner and head toward a freer and more interesting future
With the evolution of AI and robots, the way we work will definitely change.
However, that does not mean “there will be no place for humans.”
As is happening at the AISIN factory, the essence of robotization can be summarized in the following three points:
1. Liberate humans from arduous physical labor and protect their safety
2. Let humans focus on creative and interesting tasks that only they can do
3. Provide opportunities for re-learning and further expand human potential
Robots are not “enemies” that take away our jobs, but “reliable partners” that make our lives and ways of working richer.
We should leave troublesome and difficult things to our partners, and shift to work where we are more human, use our heads, and connect our hearts.
It is a waste to stand still worrying about the future.
Why not start with a small step, such as trying out familiar digital tools or taking an interest in news about new technologies?
Let’s ride the wave of technology well and obtain a way of working that is freer and more rewarding than it is now!