Will Robots Replace Humans As Japan’s Workforce?

On paper, Artificial Intelligence (AI) sounds like the passport to an amazing tech future whereby Robots are able to undertake more complex tasks without a need for a human. There is a downside however, if AI or more complex machines are further implemented within the labour market, what effect would this have on the ability for a section of society to work?

These posed questions have been in part studied by the Nomura Research Institute who has worked alongside British researchers to formulate and analyse data which shows that “about half of Japan’s workforce” will be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) or robotic machines within 10-20 years. The speculation suggests that Japan’s population will decrease as more people are unable to find jobs in the country and are therefore forced to travel etc.

Japan has 601 current occupations and the study has found that 49% of people are currently engaged in work that could in all probability be performed by robots in the near future, below are the types of professions that might be replaced by AI.

• General clerks
• Taxi drivers
• Cashiers
• Security
• Building and general cleaners
• Hotel room attendants

It is thought these types of jobs do not require a substantial knowledge base and could be replaced by machines. The data has also found the following types of professions that are least likely to be replaced by robots.

• Primary school teachers
• University professors
• Sociology researchers
• Sports coaches
• Guides
• Hairdressers

It is thought these jobs require a high level of communication and therefore speculates that these are safe careers for human begins. It is certainly concerning if these trends are replicated throughout the world, there certainly needs to be extensive planning to ensure that people are able to find jobs, if not, the welfare state will skyrocket and taxes will not be paid, after all, robots are not in need of paying bills or eating out.

Image courtesy of CNBC