Out of the box Automation will make work easier and still keep many workers employed
There is a big risk that automation will make more people lose their jobs.

This risk can be mitigated, but it require an enlightened government. 

What do I mean?

1. Automation can make the work easier for people, but it does not need to replace the worker entirely. For example, a self driving bus can remove the tedious work of driving. But a bus driver can continue to be employed to take control of the bus under unusual situations. The bus driver can also provide customer service and ensure that customers pay the fare. The work of the bus driver becomes less strenuous.

2.  An automated tray collection gadget can still use a worker to collect the bowls and utensils from the table, but it will do the heavy work of moving from one table to another. This will be less tiring for the worker.

The approach that I suggested can be described as "80% automation". It leaves 20% of the work to be done by people. It is less costly to develop  "80% automation" than to achieve "full automation". I suspect that the cost of "80% automation" could be less than one-third of "full automation".

Another advantage is that the "80% automation" can be introduced earlier and improved with time and experience.

Why do we need an "enlightened government"? 

They will set the regulations to ensure that workers are employed to do the 20% work, and the wages are at an adequate level to meet the cost of living. They have to lead this process of change in an active manner.

Do you agree with this approach?

Tan Kin Lian


 

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