Robôs vão tomar o seu emprego? Automatização do trabalho | Nerdologia Tech

Summary

In this episode of 'Nerd Tech,' hosts Átila, a biologist, and João Paulo, a programmer, explore the impact of automation on jobs and the economy. They discuss historical examples like the decline of Blockbuster in favor of Netflix and compare them to current technological shifts, such as robotics and AI, transforming industries. While automation is taking over repetitive and dangerous jobs, opportunities for creativity-driven careers remain. The hosts also touch on the growing role of technology in creating new occupations and skills, while also emphasizing the importance of adapting to change in this new wave of automation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Blockbuster's failure to adapt to changing technology led to its downfall, while Netflix capitalized on the DVD mail model and eventually dominated the streaming market.
• 😀 The rise of automation in various industries is causing shifts in the job market, with many roles being replaced by robots and AI, much like the past mechanization of agriculture and factories.
• 😀 Historical technological revolutions have created new job opportunities, but the current wave of automation may lead to fewer new jobs and increased inequality, especially in sectors like manufacturing and services.
• 😀 The shift from manual labor to automation has often led to increased productivity, but wage growth has not kept pace with productivity since the 1990s, as noted in recent studies of economic trends.
• 😀 Countries like China and Germany are utilizing automation to combat labor shortages and avoid the need for immigration, while still struggling with how to fairly distribute wealth generated by automation.
• 😀 Companies like Amazon and Foxconn have embraced automation to reduce costs and improve efficiency, often replacing low-wage jobs with machines capable of handling complex tasks.
• 😀 Jobs that require creativity or human interaction, such as programming and communication, are less likely to be replaced by automation compared to repetitive or low-skilled work.
• 😀 While automation is disrupting many industries, it is also creating new markets for AI, robotics, and technology-driven services, such as self-driving cars and automated grocery checkout systems.
• 😀 The financial motives behind automation are often driven by the desire to reduce costs and increase safety, as seen in the case of autonomous vehicles, which could be more reliable and cheaper than human drivers.
• 😀 Education and reskilling are essential for future-proofing careers in the age of automation. Platforms like Alura provide courses on skills that are less likely to be automated, such as programming, design, and emotional intelligence.

Q & A

What happened to Blockbuster and how does it relate to the automation of jobs?

Blockbuster, once a dominant video rental company, was overtaken by Netflix, which offered DVD rentals by mail. Blockbuster's failure to adapt to this change, despite a potential acquisition offer, shows how technological advances like Netflix's model can disrupt entire industries. This mirrors the ongoing trend of automation replacing traditional jobs.

How did automation impact jobs in agriculture and factories historically?

Automation in agriculture, such as the introduction of harvesters, displaced many workers from farms. Similarly, the rise of mechanized factories during the Industrial Revolution led to the replacement of manual labor with machines, creating new job opportunities in machine operation and factory work.

Why is the current wave of automation different from previous technological changes?

Unlike previous technological changes, which typically led to job displacement followed by the creation of new jobs, the current wave of automation, driven by robots and AI, is raising concerns that jobs may not be replaced at the same rate, especially in sectors like services and transportation.

How did automation affect productivity and wages in the 1990s?

In the 1990s, while productivity increased significantly due to automation, wages for middle-class workers stagnated. This shift marked a divergence between productivity growth and wage growth, suggesting that automation may have contributed to growing economic inequality.

What role does automation play in the global manufacturing industry today?

Automation has allowed manufacturing to return to developed countries like the U.S. and Europe but with robots replacing much of the manual labor. This trend is particularly prominent in countries like Japan and Germany, where robots are used in industries like automotive manufacturing to maintain production levels without relying on immigrant labor.

How is Amazon utilizing automation in its distribution centers?

Amazon has integrated over 75,000 robots into its distribution centers, enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on human workers. These robots are especially valuable in environments where physical demands, like heat, could compromise human workers' well-being.

Which professions are most at risk of being automated?

Professions that involve repetitive tasks and lower creativity, such as telemarketing, accounting, driving, and mining, are most at risk of automation. These jobs are more easily replaced by machines and AI systems that can perform tasks faster and more accurately.

What professions are less likely to be affected by automation?

Jobs that rely heavily on creativity, human interaction, and complex decision-making, such as communication roles, programming, and design, are less likely to be fully automated in the near future. These professions require skills that are challenging for AI to replicate.

What impact does automation have on companies like Web.com?

Automation allows companies like Web.com, a platform that doesn't own physical assets, to operate with minimal human resources while achieving high profitability. In such cases, automation enables companies to perform tasks more efficiently with fewer employees, increasing market value without increasing headcount.

How can workers prepare for the job market in the age of automation?

Workers can adapt to automation by acquiring new skills, particularly in fields like programming, app development, web design, and video editing. Additionally, emotional and social skills, which are crucial for human-centered jobs, can provide an edge. Learning from platforms like Alura can also help workers stay competitive by gaining practical, in-demand skills.