Harnessing Technology: Why efficiency in BPO may lead to more jobs, not fewer

Harnessing Technology: Why efficiency in BPO may lead to more jobs, not fewer

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector is at the forefront of technological innovation and economic debate. As concerns grow about job losses from technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, Jevons Paradox provides a unique viewpoint. This paradox suggests that increases in efficiency from technology can actually lead to more resource use, not less, due to increased demand.

First introduced by William Stanley Jevons in the 19th century, Jevons Paradox observed that technological improvements in coal use efficiency led to increased coal consumption across industries, not a decrease. The core idea of the […]

Tunnel fit out robot to revolutionise civils work

Tunnel fit out robot to revolutionise civils work

The prototype Automated Tunnel Robotic Installation System (ATRIS) replaces traditionally hazardous, labour-intensive and time-consuming techniques and can autonomously select brackets, locate where they need to be mounted along a tunnel wall, and install them.

Once fully-developed, the final system can be deployed in tunnel construction for a variety of sectors including transport, water and energy.

It is expected to increase productivity by 40% due to faster installation, reduce installation costs for new mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems by 30%, and cut construction plant movements by 40% to decrease embodied carbon.The consortium behind the system includes Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) Ltd (TES), […]

Automation Isn’t Just One Thing: Insights from Two Census Datasets

Automation Isn’t Just One Thing: Insights from Two Census Datasets

Two recent datasets from the Census help to illuminate what’s occurring in robotics and in artificial intelligence adoption. While they have their limitations, both the Annual Capital Expenditures Survey (ACES) for robotic equipment and the Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS) AI supplement offer valuable information on the progress of automation. Generated with AI Annual Capital Expenditures Survey (ACES) for robotic equipment. Beginning in 2018 , the Census added a series of questions to their Annual Capital Expenditures Survey (ACES) to better understand how much companies are spending on robotic equipment. Data from 2022 was published recently for a […]

IMF Chief Signals AI as a ‘Tsunami’ in the Global Job Market

IMF Chief Signals AI as a ‘Tsunami’ in the Global Job Market

The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, has drawn attention to the significant impact of artificial intelligence on the global workforce. Georgieva used a powerful metaphor, likening the effect to that of a massive tidal wave, to describe the rapid and forceful way AI technologies are transforming job sectors worldwide.

As this digital transformation continues to accelerate, Georgieva’s comments suggest that AI is reshaping the landscape of employment at an unprecedented pace. This phenomenon is not only introducing new opportunities and efficiencies but also posing challenges and disruptions to traditional job roles. It has sparked widespread discussions on […]

CommBox Launches Connect Partner Programme, Offering Market-Leading Automation and AI Capabilities to Customer Service Ecosystems

CommBox Launches Connect Partner Programme, Offering Market-Leading Automation and AI Capabilities to Customer Service Ecosystems

CommBox’s market-leading AI and automation technologies are now available through a dedicated partner programme

Participants will enjoy new revenue streams, faster time-to-value, and a more diversified client portfolio

LONDON, May 14, 2024 –( BUSINESS WIRE )–CommBox, the leader in AI and automated customer communications, is today launching its new partner programme, CommBox Connect. This programme opens CommBox’s market-leading technology to the broader customer service ecosystem, offering new revenue streams, faster time-to-value, and a more diversified client portfolio. This extension of CommBox’s AI and automation capabilities equips partners with an all-in-one solution to automate and digitise customer communications, […]

What you really mean when you claim to support “UBI for job automation”

What you really mean when you claim to support “UBI for job automation”

Author’s Note: Though I’m currently a governance researcher at Convergence Analysis , this post is unaffiliated with Convergence. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

You’ve seen it a dozen times at this point. You’re probably broadly aligned philosophically, but haven’t thought terribly deeply about the details. You generally support Andrew Yang’s $12k / year “ Freedom Dividend ” as “moving in the right direction”, even if it’s economically flawed .

The argument goes roughly like this: “All of our jobs are about to be automated away with AI technology and robotics! We’ll end up soon in a post-work society […]

2024 Tech Trends: Automating Paystub Management

2024 Tech Trends: Automating Paystub Management

13 The year 2024 marks a significant turning point for businesses seeking to optimize their payroll processes. Automation and digital technologies are leading the charge, transforming traditional paystub management into a streamlined, efficient, and error-free operation. These technologies not only simplify payroll tasks but also enhance compliance and employee satisfaction. This article explores the latest tech […] The year 2024 marks a significant turning point for businesses seeking to optimize their payroll processes. Automation and digital technologies are leading the charge, transforming traditional paystub management into a streamlined, efficient, and error-free operation. These technologies not only simplify payroll tasks […]

Rockwell Automation Partners with Azzurro to Strengthen its Position in the Sri Lankan Market

Rockwell Automation Partners with Azzurro to Strengthen its Position in the Sri Lankan Market

Improves access to Smart Manufacturing technologies such as IIoT, robotics, data analytics and cloud computing for Sri Lankan industries Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has appointed Azzurro as a strategic partner to help drive business growth in Sri Lanka.

Rockwell Automation provides industry-leading automation and digitization solutions for utilities providers, miners and manufacturers in industries like food and beverage, automotive and textiles. Azzurro is a subsidiary of the Illukkumbura Group , which has over 30 years of experience delivering transformative automation solutions to Sri Lankan industry.

The companies will work together to […]

Decoding the Future of Work: Automation, AI and the Human Edge

Decoding the Future of Work: Automation, AI and the Human Edge

As we near the 25 years of the 21st century, we stand at the precipice of a new era. The rise of automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ignited a firestorm of debate, with many fearing an age of widespread job displacement. The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation has sparked anticipation and apprehension in equal measure.

While AI platforms and automation tools have been around for some time, their rapid growth since advent of Generative AI have led to fears of job loss and replacement among the workforces. Yet, as I gaze into the heart of this digital […]

Visionary Advocate Andrew Spira Discusses the Effects of AI On Employment And The Argument For Universal Basic Income

Visionary Advocate Andrew Spira Discusses the Effects of AI On Employment And The Argument For Universal Basic Income

The displacement of jobs is becoming an increasingly pressing concern. A recent analysis by Goldman Sachs suggests that AI could potentially replace up to 300 million jobs globally, painting a future where the job market cannot keep pace with technological progress.

In response to this impending reality, visionary advocate Andrew Spira points to these figures as a clarion call for adopting Universal Basic Income (UBI).

The award-winning, best-selling sci-fi novel series The Expanse, written by James S.A. Corey (the pseudonym of authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck), offers a compelling depiction of a future where AI and automation have rendered most […]