Automatization in the United States. Social Sciences. Research Paper

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Automation in the United States
Technology has significantly transformed human beings' lives from health, education, leisure, energy, construction, financial services, and manufacturing, to mention a few. It strengthens the economy, encourages innovation, and promises incredible opportunities. From internal combustion engines, electrification to smartphones, technology has greatly improved how human beings travel, communicate with each other, purchase products, travel, and access information (World Economic Forum, np). Similarly, technology is transforming individual lives; it has also changed how people work and employment availability. As technology advancements continue to increase, anxieties about automation taking human responsibilities are also on the rise. Today, robots have not only taken blue-collar jobs of less-educated Americans, but artificial intelligence (AI) has shaken up the white and high skilled jobs, leaving no employee resistant to the impact of technology on the American workforce. However, everything is not lost, as humans can still work with robots in harmony and improve an organization's productivity and efficiency.
Undeniably, automation has made a tremendous contribution to making life easier for humans, even things considered to be simple. It has been utilized in many industries in the United States, including health and medicine, law enforcement, transportation, agriculture and food service, and manufacturing (World Economic Forum, np). In health, automation has been used to make work easier, accurate, and faster. For instance, automation is used in surgery to perform procedures with increased precision. In the armed forces, robots are widely used in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, search and rescue, combat rescue, explosive ordnance disposal, and mine clearance (Vishnoi, 174). In manufacturing, robots have evolved into more advanced devices that enhance productivity. For example, in the automotive industry, robots are widely used in the assembly, welding, painting, material removal, part transfer, and machine tending.
Automation helps organizations achieve a competitive edge by increasing production rates and productivity. In the current competitive business environment, efficiency and agility is not a choice but a strategic necessity. Nowadays, production expenditures are rising fast, and manufacturers have no control over raw material costs and labour costs (Carbonero, 7). With this in mind, automation offers a manufacturer the opportunity to control production costs and increase productivity. For example, Amazon’s robots handle 45% of repetitive work, thus reducing labour costs and increasing order fulfilment (Gaynor, np). Besides, the systems allow employees to focus on higher-value tasks such as problem-solving and developing innovative solutions. By implementing automation, an organization can reduce labour costs, increase quality through good control, and increase production by leveraging machines.
Automation ensures efficient use of materials, reduction of labour time and lead time, improved product quality, and increased employee safety. Most organizations have adopted automated systems to ensure consistency of product quality. Also, automated systems help in the efficient use of materials, thus minimizing wastes (Carbonero, 8). In this respect, an organization can minimize its cost of production and ultimately make more profits. Further, automated systems safeguard employees against occupational hazards. For instance, in chemical plants, robots perform unsafe, highly repetitive, and hazardous tasks such as handling radioactive and explosive chemicals (Carbonero, 9). Automation systems have played a role in reducing the average workweek for workers. In the 1900s, American employees used to work for an average of 70 hours per week (Carbonero, 12). Currently, the weekly hours have been reduced to about 40 hours.
On the other hand, artificial intelligence has critically enhanced businesses. Many organizations in the United States, for instance, are utilizing AI technologies to enhance customer experience, increase profits, minimize operational costs, and improve efficiency. Currently, businesses are using artificial intelligence to collect and manage large amounts of data (Usatoday.Com, np). Usually, systems that leverage artificial intelligence can identify and model human behaviour by recognizing and encouraging behavioral patterns. With time, the system can predict human needs and make strategic decisions based on its learning and interpretations.
Artificial intelligence has improved customer communication while at the same time, saving costs. Businesses are using chatbots to provide 24/7 customer support. The current advancements in artificial intelligence allow bots to pick up conversation tones and imitate human speech. In banks, chatbots are widely used to enhance customer satisfaction and back-office efficiency (Hales, np). For instance, the Bank of America (BOA) chatbot “Erica” adopted in 2018 has served more than 10 million users, with more than 500,000 different queries (Computer Business Review, np). For small businesses that cannot afford a dedicated consumer service team, AI-enabled chats help them fill customer service gaps.
Artificial intelligence strengthens brand loyalty through personalization. Nearly 70% of customers expect a personalized experience (Gaynor, np). Unfortunately, many businesses, particularly the small ones, cannot afford personalization because it takes money, effort, and time. By adopting artificial intelligence, a business can automate these processes by detecting decision-making patterns and generating identities based on collected data (Gaynor, np). For instance, Amazon uses AI technologies to provide customized recommendations to its customers. The company uses AI to predict purchasing behaviour as well as run cashier-less grocery stores. Likewise, AI helps unlock opportunities and streamline operations. Conversely, AI, and automated systems also lead to negative impacts, especially unemployment.
Over the years, many things have changed, but the fear of machines remains constant. For many Americans, the rise of automation in the workplace is frightening every day. Many people are worried that robots will ultimately assume human roles, increase unfairness in societies, and eat into the sense of drive given by employment. Robots are taking human jobs in the standard computerization trope. Research shows that more than 72% of Americans are worried about the future of machines performing human tasks (Fortunly, np). The future that humans were fearing is clear and evident. Today, robots have led to a structural shift in the labour market, especially in routine jobs. Robots and machines have made many jobs obsolete in the past centuries. For instance, weavers have now been replaced by spinning jenny.
Millions of jobs have been lost to automation and artificial intelligence. Research shows that over 2% of Americans lost their employment due to massive layoffs between 2004-2009 (Fortunly, np). The emergence of automation has led to a new development phase where processes were digitized, and robots were installed for repetitive tasks to increase accuracy, consistency, and enhance speed. With this in mind, many industries in the United States, such as manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing, have adopted these technologies to increase their competitiveness. Research shows that industrial robot jobs are increasing by 14% every year (Fortunly, np). With this growth rate, it is estimated by 2030; robots will replace more than 20 million jobs. According to Muro (np), over 25% of jobs in the United States are experiencing high disruption levels due to automation. Jobs in office management, food production, manufacturing, and transportation are at high risk of being replaced.
Middle-skilled and low-skilled jobs are increasingly being automated. Currently, 42% of the unemployed population and 40% of the United States labour force are the low skilled and semiskilled workforce (Fortunly, np). Previously, middle-skilled and low skilled workers would seek jobs in other middle-skilled occupations. However, with technological advancements, more routine occupations are being automated, leaving most workers unemployed due to the lack of skills in the new jobs. Research shows that over 1.7 million unskilled jobs have been lost t...