We all have dreamed about a world which shall be ruled and controlled by robotic warlords or a possibility of a robotic uprising. Apocalyptic much? Well, no one can blame us for this weird fantasy given the fact that robots are slowly replacing humans. They are everywhere! From high-end restaurants posing as waiters to robotic arms in industries to watching humanoid Sophia agree to destroy mankind. While fear and doubts shroud us, there is a silver lining. To quote Stephen Hawking in the film The Theory of Everything (played by Eddie Redmayne) said, “There should be no boundaries to human endeavor. We are all different. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there’s life, there is hope.” While this futuristic imagination taunts us, there are areas where humans have an edge.

The manufacturing and industrial sector are opting to switch to automated machines. This step can help them boost productivity, reduce errors while improving accuracy, and to carry mass production with better precision. History too provides the backing up behind the idea. During the plagues of the past, industries faced a huge shortage of workforce. In case of a dangerous work environment where the human life hangs by a thread due to existing hazardous conditions like dust in coal mines, rig blasts at the oil refinery, etc. there are uncountable loss of life every year. Studies show that 69 percent of office work will be replaced by AI and similar new-age technology by 2024. At least 375 million people will be displaced globally and will need to change their occupation and/or acquire new skills.

According to a research report, about 47 percent of total US employment is at risk. But there are jobs that humans can outdo robots: education, nursing, and healthcare, tourism, etc. these are the ones that require a human connection i.e. emotions, empathy. As not everything can be replicated by robots.

It is about ten Cs viz., Communication, Context, Connection, Competence, Content, Choice, Common Sense, Creativity, Critical thinking and Connectivity. While automation can help make decisions, it cannot function smoothly at tasks that require critical thinking, intuitive decision-making or innovation, and creativity. It also lacks soft skills like leadership (not Villainy type), teamwork, motivating, reading gestures and postures nor cool skills like understanding sarcasm. Artificial Intelligence does not have room for imagination, hence nil creativity. When presented with a complex situation to choose between right and wrong action, it is more likely to function based on its programmed codes much identical to Non-Playing Characters in a simulation or Role-Playing Games. Neither they can do subjective thinking, conscious monitoring to prevent mishaps.

There is a higher chance that instead of being unemployed or laid-off, we can be redeployed into jobs with the aforementioned skills. Recall the incidents where you have had an awful Zomato experience. When you tried raising a complaint in the chats, the automated bot replies made you even more frustrated, unlike the actual human interaction via customer readdresses. Besides, sensors must be manufactured and repaired; robots maintained, and algorithms developed.

Therefore it is true that robots and automation will become an integral part of human lives in the future. However, that does not mean the alienation of humans either. Even though the job titles and job descriptions will be amended, we are here to stay. At least robots can’t experiment with food like your Mom! #BrusselSprouts.