Is the Automation Really Helping Humans?

History of Automation
Automation goes back many centuries to the time when the Greeks and Arab needed a way to keep track of time. One of the human first practical invention that mimics some form of automation was the invention of a mechanical calculator by Wilhelm Schickard. The creation of devices like calculators allowed people to accomplish task fast with higher accuracy. Similarly, some other inventions were developed across a wide range of industries to enhance further the speed and efficiency that comes with accomplishing daily tasks.
Automation in the Digital Age
Currently, people are living in the era where everything is moving towards automation. You can see news related to automation every day in the newspaper, on Tv and online. Sometimes, it makes people say “Wow, things are moving fast” or “I pray that the day that a machine will replace me at work will never come”!
Automation is permeating every corner of our lives from the apps that exist on your phone to machine powered self-driving cars. It was projected that 70 million US jobs would be lost to automation by 2030. This is a staggering number, and it plainly explains why automation is considered by some to be a curse more than a blessing.
Overview of the automation and its types
These days, automation can be discovered in nearly every industry, which ranges from transportation to defense and medical operations. Manufacturing is one of the most common areas in which automation is highly accessed. Since manufacturing requires many steps and processes, the creation of the automated machinery has improved a lot in terms of efficiency and quality control.
There are different types of automation available in the ground, and some of them are mentioned below.
Numerical automation – Machines programmed to perform repetitive tasks such as 3D printing and embroidery machines
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) – This automation accessed computer software to control machinery. Example: CAD
Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) – It combines robots, numerical control system and other industrial automation tools into a single system. Case: metal cutting and forming
Industrial robot – It can be programmed and manipulated in two or more axes. It may also operate in mobile or fixed applications. Example: Palletizing
Automation and Productivity
In specific industries, automation has increased employment opportunity highly unlike before. For example, with the introduction of ATM in the banking industry, it developed more employment for staff in every branch. According to a recent report, about 43% of human tellers have been added in the past thirty years after the establishment of ATMs.
Most importantly, bear in mind that over 90% of jobs will not be able to undergo complete automation. In fact, automation will help you become smarter and do things much better than before.
Automation and Job Security
Automation has indeed increased the jobs in so many industries. E-commerce is one of these industries; which is still in it’s developing stages. As the retail sector faces multiple disruptions over the convenience and shopping comfort, which e-commerce industry (automated) offers, job reports have highly focused on the job losses, which this industry has faced.
On the other hand, e-commerce sector is growing at an alarming rate that is three times faster than the retail industry. This eventually adds more 40,000 jobs along with high salary package. When compared to the retail sector, online e-commerce job renders more pay. This is 31% more than the average salary of the person who works in the retail store.
How Automation is Helping us Discover Our Origin
At present, many debates are going on whether automation is detrimental to the livelihood of the human. Some of the people remain convinced that massive adoption of automation will potentially lead to the demise of many jobs. As mentioned already, in reality, people should be resistant and fearful of automation. Because contrary to this belief, this incredible technology is not meant to replace humans; instead, it is intended to improve and extend human life. Finally, it is safe to say that automation is here to stay. On both ends of the spectrum, automation will work to amplify job loss and creation of higher quality and paying jobs.
About the Author
As the Founder and CEO of one of New York’s premier SEO agency, Seun is a leading New York digital marketing consultant. Some of his innovations include the creation of conversion marketing software for Wix Market Place, and establishing & cementing his firm as a leading, reputable and award-winning marketing company in NYC. Seun’s expertise has created one of the most dynamic and youngest SEO companies in New York City.
In addition to Seun’s marketing background, he also holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an airplane powerplant license. This rare combination of background makes Seun an ideal and indispensable resource for engineering and technical startups.