Tag: productivity

Robots and Humans: Combined Potential to Change the Face of Industrial Automation

Robots and Humans: Combined Potential to Change the Face of Industrial Automation

Robots and Humans: Combined Potential to Change the Face of Industrial Automation 1 The ever-evolving landscape of industrial automation is seeing a revolutionary partnership emerge—one that transcends the boundaries between man and machine. The fusion of robotics and human ingenuity is rewriting the narrative of productivity, efficiency, and innovation across industries.

As technology continues its relentless march forward, the combined potential of robots and humans is poised to reshape the very foundation of industrial automation, ushering in an era where the collaborative efforts of these two distinct entities hold the key to unlocking unprecedented possibilities.

From factory floors to research laboratories, […]

FOCUS: Japan labor market set for change as huge worker shortage looms

FOCUS: Japan labor market set for change as huge worker shortage looms

Japan’s labor market may be at an inflection point as the nation braces for a shortfall of millions of workers, the rise of generative AI and risks to economic security.

The spotlight is increasingly on the sustainability of wage growth, which has been accelerating at the fastest pace in three decades. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida now wants to see pay hikes that will be "several percentage points higher" than the country’s inflation rate.

Japan’s widespread seniority-based employment system, low labor productivity, and workers’ reluctance to hop from one job to another have been among the factors behind its tepid wage growth […]

Navigating the legal implications of digital transformation in the workplace

Navigating the legal implications of digital transformation in the workplace

Wang Yukun/Getty In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organisations are harnessing digital transformation to enhance productivity, improve efficiency and drive innovation. However, amid this technological revolution, HR managers must be well versed in the legal implications that accompany these advancements. Understanding the legal considerations and adopting proactive measures can ensure a smooth transition while safeguarding employee rights and compliance with UK employment laws. Remote work policies and compliance

With the increasing prevalence of remote work, businesses must establish comprehensive policies that address the intricacies of this evolving work arrangement. These policies should outline expectations regarding work hours, rest breaks […]

U.S. Immigration Policy Lags behind a Globalizing World

U.S. Immigration Policy Lags behind a Globalizing World

Economic globalization has made little impact on U.S. immigration policy in recent decades. The United States has not expanded its low green card caps since 1990, and now it ranks in the bottom third of wealthy countries for its foreign‐​born share of the population.

Blaming immigrant labor force growth for sluggish wage growth is misplaced when—despite immigration—total labor force growth has continuously declined for decades.

Globalization and automation are not removing the need for immigrant workers to fill niches created by declining U.S. labor force growth. Instead, immigrants are playing pivotal roles in making trade and technological […]

Why AI is likely to render people jobless in future

Why AI is likely to render people jobless in future

Robot, PHOTO/Simplilearn. Imagine dedicating years to your education with the hope of improving your prospects in life; and just as you complete this arduous journey, unexpected disruptions occur.

This has been the story of countless individuals in our generation, a tale as old as time. Henry Makobi captured the essence of this struggle in his inspiring melody, Someni vijana…mwisho wa kusoma mtapata kazi nzuri sanaa.” These tunes served as a reminder that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future, assuring us that our efforts would be rewarded with fulfilling careers in life.

Recently, I engaged in a conversation with […]

Is the rise of AI the best argument for universal basic income?

Is the rise of AI the best argument for universal basic income?

A two-armed robot called "ADAM" prepares a cup of coffee for a customer at Botbar coffee shop on May 31, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Listen to Meghna Chakrabarti’s extended interview with the award-winning authors of “The Expanse” here .

Could artificial intelligence replace hundreds of millions of jobs in the near future?

“Most CEOs and managers aren’t preparing enough for that transition,” says Erik Brynjolfsson. “The next coming decade could be the best decade that we’ve seen on Earth. Or it could be one of the worst.”If that happens, how will people make ends meet?“We’re all […]

Three Results From Recent Research on Advanced Technology Use and Automation

Three Results From Recent Research on Advanced Technology Use and Automation

Using robots to automate tasks is becoming increasingly common, even outside of manufacturing — for example, in fast food restaurant kitchens and hospitals. Similarly, recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) suggest that AI is increasingly able to perform tasks (e.g., compose music, write poetry, and generate images) until recently believed to be reserved for humans. In general, the diffusion of advanced technologies like robotics and AI is accompanied by questions about whether they will mainly augment workers’ skills or substitute for them.

In this blog, we describe research 1 on advanced technologies (defined in Box 1) and their potential effects […]

Ethical Challenges and Dilemmas of Autonomous Cars: The New Era of Driving

Ethical Challenges and Dilemmas of Autonomous Cars: The New Era of Driving

A recent breakthrough in California has given the green light to two companies to implement autonomous cars for paid passengers in San Francisco. While this step towards autonomous transportation represents a significant advancement for the future, it also reveals the considerable challenges and ethical dilemmas associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

During the first week of autonomous car operations in San Francisco, unexpected challenges arose. One vehicle mistakenly drove into freshly poured concrete in a construction zone, resulting in repair costs for the company. A more serious incident occurred when an autonomous car collided with a fire truck, causing […]

The Rise of the Robots: What Does it Mean for Jobs?

The Rise of the Robots: What Does it Mean for Jobs?

The Rise of the Robots In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the use of robots and automation in various industries. From manufacturing and agriculture to healthcare and customer service, robots are becoming increasingly prevalent in the workplace. While this technological advancement promises increased efficiency and productivity, it also raises important questions about the future of employment. In this article, we will explore the implications of the rise of robots and automation on jobs, both the challenges and opportunities it presents, and how individuals and society can adapt. The Robot Revolution: A Brief Overview

Robots […]

Why automation matters for Ireland’s manufacturing success

Why automation matters for Ireland's manufacturing success

Automation is Ireland’s route to continued productivity success, writes Conor O’Kelly , sales manager at FANUC Ireland.

According to the World Population Review, Ireland is the global leader in terms of productivity, generating GDP to the value of $119 for each hour worked. While much of this can be attributed to the country’s favourable tax regime, Ireland is a manufacturing powerhouse, particularly in the area of Life Sciences.

In total, 260,000 people are employed in the Irish manufacturing sector, c.12% of total employment in the economy.We are Europe’s leading exporter of contact lenses, immunological products and specialised nutrition products, and […]