Why Automation Jobs Will Soar in the 2020’s

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First, there were humans. Then, came technology: computers, the internet, smartphones. And now? Robots, our artificially intelligent companions. The internet is always screaming: “The robots are coming!” and yes, they are. Automation is a thing, people. And it’s already a growing part of our lives. Look around. A lot that we do depends on technology and the internet; from traveling to communicating to ordering food. And this is just the beginning. Automation jobs are on the rise and will soar in the 2020s. But what industries will be most affected by this technological shift?

The Robots (Automation Jobs) Are Rising! 

Economists have noted that the number of robots in use in the past two decades has increased threefold to 2.25 million. Robotization will lead to the loss of millions of jobs as automation jobs take over. And this will majorly impact poorer economies that rely on workers with low skills. However, this is also applicable to other industries that choose automation for its advantages: higher productivity, increased product quality, environmental benefits. Let’s look at areas and industries that are most likely to be affected by automation jobs.

Travel and Transport

After a long wait and many sci-fi movies teasing the wonders of self-driving cars, our real world is catching up. Autonomous cars will be hitting the roads in the near future. Predicted to lower energy costs and reduce traffic congestion and accidents, these cars are a good alternative. And while they may make driving more safe and convenient for casual drivers, automated cars pose a problem for professional drivers such as truck drivers.

Another form of transport that will gradually succumb to automation is air travel. Now, we have had autopilot for a long time, leaving pilots to focus on providing commands, monitoring and overseeing situations, and tracking fuel usage. But that is likely to change as well with new automated systems being able to replace a pilot’s performance while controlling, navigating, and at times, landing an aircraft.

Packaging, Shipping, and now Delivery

The manufacturing sector has been growing and it has been adding robots for assembling and preparing products. And now, this extends to packaging, shipping, and delivery. Amazon has been making strides in automation jobs by bringing about 100,000 robots into its warehouses. And that’s not where it ends. Amazon will soon be introducing Amazon Prime Air. Yes, delivery drones. Amazon is now testing drones in its UK facility with the aim to have packages delivered in 30 minutes or less to landing areas near customers’ houses. Even though this is every e-commerce shopper’s dream, once accomplished, this method of quick and easy delivery will take delivery jobs away.

Customer Service vs Self-Service

Drive through and delivery has already made “eating out” convenient, even more for the socially awkward. But now, you can get more done at a restaurant or supermarket without interacting with another human being at all. Stores like Walmart and food chains like Taco Bell and McDonald’s have self-service and self-checkout kiosks. These kiosks make processes easier and leave less room for error. And we are already accustomed to using phone apps, touch screens, and online checkouts, so this isn’t a big shift for shoppers. However, these kiosks eliminate or at least reduce, the need for cashiers and food counter attendants. 

This also poses a problem for customer service businesses. A virtual phone system is already making it easier to route calls over the internet reducing the need for telephone lines and telephone companies. Additionally, automated responses such as interactive voice response (IVR) can assist callers in completing their tasks online like making appointments, paying their bills, or subscribing to a service. This way, callers don’t need to speak with a human to get work done. And fully-automated receptionists are gaining some traction, which puts the receptionist and other customer service jobs at risk.

Medicine and Healthcare

The next field that is already being affected by automation jobs is healthcare. Medical companies, as well as pharmaceutical ones, are starting to use A.I. to complete medical procedures. A.I., at this point, can diagnosis issues, deliver anesthesia, and in certain cases perform surgery. Scientists and doctors are finding that these machines tend to be more accurate than humans, reducing the chance for error.

Closing: So, What Next?

Automation jobs are going to soar in the next decade and that is no surprise. Economists predict that the number of robots in use will increase exponentially by 2030. And so, it is time to start preparing for occupations that will keep you indispensable. And while it may seem daunting, it is important to note that automation is a good thing for the environment and will improve our quality of life. At the end of the day, isn’t that what we all want?

This article was written by the virtual phone service provider, United World Telecom. United World Telecom offers local, international, and toll free numbers for businesses in more than 140 countries.


Meryl D’Sa’s writing primarily focuses on new trends in travel, business, communications, and fashion.

1 thought on “Why Automation Jobs Will Soar in the 2020’s”

  1. Pingback: Why You Should Choose a Grocery Delivery Service  - Enterprise Podcast Network - EPN

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