As previously discussed, automation will take away jobs like never before. Some say that new jobs will open up, that people can slide into with little to no effort. This may be overly optimistic.
In my book, AI for Gen Z, I discussed some new jobs that could open up, like an algorithm data cleanser. Of course, you’d need to have a background in data science, computer science, artificial intelligence, etc. A cashier cannot get replaced and then take up a complex job like the one described above in a matter of days or weeks—it’ll take years to acquire the skills necessary, and by then the industry may have moved on or the market may have become saturated beyond belief.
In this blog post I want to discuss some new types of jobs that will open up, so you can orient yourself and your mind towards the new skills and roles you can adopt, should you find yourself automated in the near future.
- Robot Trainer:
This first one may catch you by surprise. Indeed, on the surface, the role leans towards Sci-Fi rather than a possible avenue for employment. However, robots will need more humans than ever to guide them through dexterous movements and the like. Things that humans refute thinking about consciously, like picking up a pencil, for instance, has stagnated the AI/Robotics industry for almost half a decade. With more humans available to wear gloves and gear on their bodies, the focus will be on training the next generation of robots in the workplace and society.
- Automation Psychologist/Therapist
I think we need to start thinking about the mental health impacts of automation sooner rather than later. Obviously, people will have a hard time understanding that they’ve been replaced by robots or AI. Their self-esteem, status, confidence, and overall mental health will plunge like no other. Not only will they feel less-than, they won’t have an easy path to regaining their previous lives. This is why psychologists and therapists must specialize in preparing for the turbulence and influx of patients they will inevitably have.
- Robot Complaints Manager
As robots seep into more and more workplaces, instances of injury or perceived harassment will increase. Robots aren’t perfect, like every technology, there are flaws and bugs to iron out. The first months and years of Human-Robot Collaboration will set the tone for workplaces. As such, there needs to be a designated manager to oversee all complaints from humans about robots—what happened, what the company can do to fix it.
- Automation Engineer
This job will be akin to those that mine coal—they know its wrong but they have no choice. As companies start automating more and more, the need for engineers to keep things spick and span will have to grow. Exponentially, at that. Maybe the Automation Engineers won’t mind the role, but I think they’ll be cognizant of how much people implicitly hate them: they’ll be the ones taking care of the robots who replaced millions of people. This job will likely start in the major corporations, who have the money and the means to replace workers in favour of cutting-edge robots. Eventually, it’ll trickle down to boujee and boutique shops.
- Human-Robot Police Officer
I included this one specifically because of how controversial it will be. Police officers are already stigmatized, and rightly so. There is a massive amount of bias and corruption circulating in the police force. Adding new technology, robots, with biases already encapsulated doesn’t fix the problem. In fact, it inflates it. However, it will be necessary for security guards, bouncers, and anyone who is hired to protect (assuming they aren’t completely replaced) to utilize robots. The advantages are enormous, like faster response times, for example. Police forces may choose to include robots, in the form of drones or dogs, in their squad cars for better protection and surveillance.
The jobs presented aren’t gospel, not even close. But they do provide a sneak peak into how employment opportunities could change, for better or for worse. For those that are keen on getting ahead of the crowd, understanding what AI and robots will augment and eliminate is crucial to set your bearings on a path of not being replaced.