Automation and How Technology Creates More Jobs

Automation can be explained as the depreciation of human involvement in employing technology. More accurately, it is the technique of transforming a system or process so that it can operate automatically. So it is quite clear that automation is an integral part of any developing economy but does it mean net positive for society? Is it true that technology creates more jobs? These questions tend to arise while considering automation for societal growth.

Why Is Automation Adapted?

Automation reduces labour costs or replaces humans in the most mundane or repetitive jobs. It is found in almost all industries and niches, having an important position in manufacturing, utilities, transportation, and security.

In the form of robotic assembly lines, most industrial operations employ some automated procedure. Human involvement is only necessary to establish and manage operations. The arrangement of the different components is left to the machines, which automatically turn raw materials into completed things.

Automation’s significance in the technological sector is rapidly expanding in the software/hardware and machine layers. Adopting new artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies is propelling the industry forward at breakneck speed.

Classification of Automation

Automation can be classified as follows:

• Fixed Automation

Fixed automation systems, often known as hard automation, perform specific duties without variation. This system is generally utilised for discrete mass production and continuous flow systems.

• Programmable Automation

A computer program gives the commands for programmable automation, hence the name. This means that modifying the instructions sent to the computer through a succession of code might result in a broad range of operations. The procedures and tasks do not alter significantly since the programming efforts are not trivial. This form of automation is popular in mass production environments that manufacture identical goods using many of the same stages and instruments, such as paper mills or steel rolling mills.

• Flexible Automation

This automation is used in computer-controlled flexible manufacturing systems, allowing for additional production flexibility. Every piece of equipment is controlled by a human-operated computer, which implies that the jobs might change dramatically depending on the code provided to the computer. Batch operations and job shops with a high product variety and low-to-medium work volume, such as textile production, often utilise this form of automation.

• Integrated Automation

Integrated automation is the complete automation of industrial operations, with computers and control processes handling most of the work. Computers can create the necessary pieces, test them, and manufacture them. Integrated automation, like flexible automation, is suitable for both batch and continuous manufacturing processes.

But all kinds of automation require the human touch to start the process; hence it adds to the argument that technology creates more jobs.

Advantages of Automation

Let us now look at how automation creates a net positive for society and a good labour market impact. 

• Reduction of Operating Cost

One of the key reasons to employ new technology is to minimise the cost of production by promoting efficiency. Automation speeds up operations and improves part accuracy, reducing waste in your business.

• Generate New Forms of Employment Opportunities

The answer to the key concern of whether technology creates more jobs is plain and simple. Yes, they do, and the advanced automation processes require skilled operators to function properly. So to be accurate, technology creates more jobs for those willing to update their skill set in the developing world.

• Improved Working Conditions

Automation helps improve working conditions and safety in your manufacturing process or facility. It removes the necessity of physical handling and the danger of repetitive strain injury that can be caused due to risky tasks. Thus, technology creates more jobs but ensures a healthy work environment for the existing workers.

• Increased Profitability, Sales, and Competitiveness

Automation can increase firm competitiveness and cause better sales and higher profits. As your manufacturing process becomes more automated, human error decreases, product quality improves, and cost per component decreases due to faster production rates and fewer resources required to manufacture the items.

Conclusion

Automation is not an unknown concept for the young developing economies across the globe, and it is recognised as a necessary condition for growth by almost all countries worldwide. While it is natural for people to fear this technological advancement as a sign of loss of employment, it is important to keep in mind that those willing to change themselves with the changing world will never find themselves unemployed. In the end, it is evident that technology creates more jobs than it takes away.