Many people embrace automation. They welcome advancing technology with open arms as a way to increase efficiency and perform tasks that could not have been done before. However, many others wonder how this technology will affect the workforce. If robots can do things better, faster, and smarter, where do humans fit in? A paper by Daron Acemoglu of M.I.T. and Pascual Restrepo of Boston University attempted to determine the negative, direct effects of robots. While it had been previously thought that increased automated technology would create new jobs, so those displaced by the automation could still work in their field, Acemoglu and Restrepo determined that there would be very little employment increase to offset the job losses (Miller). "The conclusion is that even if overall employment and wages recover, there will be losers in the process, and it's going to take a very long time for these communities to recover," said Acemoglu. Between 1990 and 2007, 670,000 people lost manufacturing jobs due to industrial robots--and robots are expected to quadruple. As automation is on the rise, Americans fear that the market economy will not be able to create enough jobs to support all those who have lost them.
Interestingly enough, there are areas of the world that embrace automation--Sweden is one of them. While 72% of Americans are found to be "worried" about a future that included robots and computers in the job force, 80% of Swedes express positive views about robots and artificial intelligence (Sundahl-Djerf). This is most likely due to the fact that Sweden already has a safety net in place to help its workers. As the Swedish minister for employment and integration, Ylva Johansson, says, "We won't protect jobs. But we will protect workers." In the United States, where many people depend on employers for health insurance, job losses can be detrimental to the family. Whereas in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, governments provide free health care--one less thing to worry about. Additionally, job security councils that are financed by employers help those who lost jobs find new jobs; 83% of participants in the TRR Trygghetsradet have found new jobs this year. Sweden's major industry, mining, is becoming increasingly more automated since the only to ensure profit is to increase efficiency. Their industry is moving forward with self-driving trucks, loaders controlled by joysticks, wireless internet, and tablet computers. Fredrik Hases, the head of the union chapter representing technicians says, "No one feels like they are taking jobs away. It's about doing more with the people we've got."
Miller, Claire Cain. "Evidence That Robots are Winning the Race for American Jobs." Evernote. 28 Mar. 2017. https://www.evernote.com/shard/s3/nl/125986/f4764655-3cb4-43e6-a0f1-0776f7dc9e02?title=Evidence%20That%20Robots%20Are%20Winning%20the%20Race%20for%20American%20Jobs
Sundahl-Djerf, Linus. "The Robots are Coming, and Sweden is Fine." Evernote. 27 Dec. 2017. https://www.evernote.com/shard/s3/nl/125986/5decd471-bf33-447d-9a07-9e595c489f58?title=The%20Robots%20Are%20Coming%2C%20and%20Sweden%20Is%20Fine
Responses to Blog Posts:
Amanda,
As your article about AI mentioned, 375 million people would loose jobs by 2030 due to the rise in AI. My articles were also about automation's effects on the workforce, and I think that it is something that should definitely be considered. The robot tax is interesting because it kind of hinders innovation. I understand its purpose but how is a country or industry supposed to grow and compete without increasing efficiency and doing things faster and better? At the end you mentioned that proper changes in training are important, and I think that is definitely key. If you provide training or other ways for employees to potentially get a new job before there's is taken over by robots, it would most likely slow the rise of unemployment.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/ai-httpswww.html
Michael,
I really appreciate your take on this. I think it is absolutely absurd that replacing human interaction with automation in teaching is even a possibility. There are so many books, studies, and reports that show that social interactions are key to students' success. I think that a lot of people are a little too concerned about productivity and efficiency and they forget the fact that people are in fact, human beings. I found your comment about frequent social interactions for children are important in forming self-esteem, responsibility, and humor really interesting--I did not know that all of these traits come out of basic human interaction.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/michael-manley-b1.html
Andrew,
I really liked the article about tech and farming. I never knew that automation had a place in the farming industry. It definitely makes sense from an optimization standpoint. Even though I would assume that you wouldn't be able to replace human farmers, I wonder if self-driving machinery could be created that would remove the need for farmers in the field entirely.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b1-robotics-ai-3d-printing-future.html
Showing posts with label Week 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Week 2. Show all posts
Friday, January 17, 2020
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Group B's Intelligent Building Definition
Intelligent Building Definition:
An intelligent building is a structure that incorporates smart technology systems that are capable of reading and analyzing data regarding different environmental conditions, and adjusting settings within the space accordingly.
An intelligent building is a structure that incorporates smart technology systems that are capable of reading and analyzing data regarding different environmental conditions, and adjusting settings within the space accordingly.
"Intelligent Buildings" - Group A Definition
Intelligent Building: a building that uses technology to effectively fulfill a desired function such as sustainability, comfort, safety, and more.
Intelligent Building Group E
Intelligent Building
An intelligent building is one that is adaptive. It senses the environment and makes appropriate changes. It is aware of its users and occupants and their needs. It aims for efficiency, ultimately trying to create a more green building.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Week 2 - Discussion
Is predicting the future worthwhile?
We believe that predicting the future is most definitely worthwhile. It gives people direction and a plan to improve their lives. Without predicting the future, there would be less to no progression on human technology.
What would have the most impact in your field?
The thing that would have the most impact in our field would be virtual reality. Using VR would allow us to have a better understanding of what we are designing. For example, a building site may be 3D scanned instead of just having 2D images which will allow better accuracy within the designing standpoint.
We believe that predicting the future is most definitely worthwhile. It gives people direction and a plan to improve their lives. Without predicting the future, there would be less to no progression on human technology.
What would have the most impact in your field?
The thing that would have the most impact in our field would be virtual reality. Using VR would allow us to have a better understanding of what we are designing. For example, a building site may be 3D scanned instead of just having 2D images which will allow better accuracy within the designing standpoint.
B1 - Cyber Insecurity and Regulating the Internet of Things
The applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) and interconnectivity of technologies has been steadily advancing over the last decade. Amazon Alexa can be connected to nearly every device in your home that has a plug or a bluetooth option; building data sensors can be mapped onto BIM models in real time; drones can communicate with each other to build structures together while avoiding collisions and redundancies (link). These connections have stretched across almost every industry from academia to commercial to industrial settings. What haven’t developed as quickly are the regulations and standards for all of this data and artificial intelligence.
Recently, California launched a law regarding the security standards for the Internet of Things (link), and it is very likely that other states will follow its lead. It is the hope that national standards will also evolve to regulate interconnected technologies proactively rather than reactively. With AI utilizing deep learning to control devices and make decisions, it is the responsibility of all of us to remain educated about the consequences of handing over control to a program. Unfortunately, with the heavy economic influence tech companies on the front lines have, the trend has been politicians are reluctant to pass any laws that hinder that monetary growth.
An interesting software that utilizes Artificial Intelligence is Bakpak: this software can read students’ handwriting and automatically grade the homework based on the assignment given (link). This repetitive task helps the program develop deep learning and strengthens the AI capabilities. It also increases the speed at which the teacher and their students receive feedback on their performance so adjustments to curricula can be made. Typed text is much more regular, especially with common fonts developed by widely-used programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Very early on in the history of text reading from pictures using AI, the technology was able to recognize typed text. The development of AI to learn how to recognize handwriting (which is both unique to each person but also highly variable even in the same sample of writing) is incredible. AI Software that can read and recognize handwriting can be useful in a large amount of applications: historical document analysis, field report documentation, and crime scene investigations involving letters or notes.
While it’s not clear what innovations are going to be made in the next year or decade, what we can count on is that there *will* be advancements in technology. Applications will become more interdisciplinary and the Internet of Things will continue to encompass more and more items. As responsible stewards of the new technology we bring into this world, it is important to emphasize education on data security as well as big picture thinking; technological developments are always able to be used for purposes other than for which it was intended. Especially in terms of Artificial Intelligence, the danger of AI being abused or used for malicious purposes is ever present. Regulations and data standards will be critical in the field of cybersecurity and public safety.
Recently, California launched a law regarding the security standards for the Internet of Things (link), and it is very likely that other states will follow its lead. It is the hope that national standards will also evolve to regulate interconnected technologies proactively rather than reactively. With AI utilizing deep learning to control devices and make decisions, it is the responsibility of all of us to remain educated about the consequences of handing over control to a program. Unfortunately, with the heavy economic influence tech companies on the front lines have, the trend has been politicians are reluctant to pass any laws that hinder that monetary growth.
An interesting software that utilizes Artificial Intelligence is Bakpak: this software can read students’ handwriting and automatically grade the homework based on the assignment given (link). This repetitive task helps the program develop deep learning and strengthens the AI capabilities. It also increases the speed at which the teacher and their students receive feedback on their performance so adjustments to curricula can be made. Typed text is much more regular, especially with common fonts developed by widely-used programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Very early on in the history of text reading from pictures using AI, the technology was able to recognize typed text. The development of AI to learn how to recognize handwriting (which is both unique to each person but also highly variable even in the same sample of writing) is incredible. AI Software that can read and recognize handwriting can be useful in a large amount of applications: historical document analysis, field report documentation, and crime scene investigations involving letters or notes.
While it’s not clear what innovations are going to be made in the next year or decade, what we can count on is that there *will* be advancements in technology. Applications will become more interdisciplinary and the Internet of Things will continue to encompass more and more items. As responsible stewards of the new technology we bring into this world, it is important to emphasize education on data security as well as big picture thinking; technological developments are always able to be used for purposes other than for which it was intended. Especially in terms of Artificial Intelligence, the danger of AI being abused or used for malicious purposes is ever present. Regulations and data standards will be critical in the field of cybersecurity and public safety.
References
"The Tech That Will Invade Our Lives in 2020", Brian X. Chen
"The Machines Are Learning, and So Are the Students", Craig S. Smith
B1: Douha Alqudaihi (Future, AI, Computer, and Software)
This blog illustrates three topics that are related to our current
and future life including AI, Computer and Software.
AI
Artificial intelligence is everywhere in our life. It is in
our pockets, houses, street, and schools. In schools, online classes and all the
website pages staring from registering courses according to your graduation
plan till ordering your transcript. These are all databases and tables that have been
created to form these networks and to help the students in their education path. Not
only students get the advantage of these systems, but also professors and teachers. It
helps them in their grading and teaching. In the article “ The Machines Are
Learning, and So Are the Students”, Craig S. Smith has discussed that by
giving examples of teachers’ experiences with AI. An algebra teacher, Jennifer
Turner, uses AI in her grading and in her lectures to make students
attracted and don’t feel bored. Both teachers and students are satisfied with
the new technology that makes their life easier. For example, online classes
where you can attend a class while you are at home. This had helped many mothers
who want to have a degree, but still, need to take care of their kids. Also, online
lectures can be saved till the end of the term which is something I like because
students can go back to them whenever they want. My grades in the courses which
have online lectures are higher than the ones that don’t.
Computer and Software
Would computers including software, and robots take
employees' place? Actually, it does take a lot of human hands off their jobs. However,
computers and robots can be used to help humans not to take their places because
they still had to be managed by them. These electronics can increase the productivity
of a company. For example, we all use Amazon, and we could set an order that has
many items. Imagine how many consumers could order from amazon, how many items
in their orders and these have to be shipped during an estimated date. The
orders are set online but there is always someone to help you with any problem
faces you with the website. The one who helps you is human not a robot.
Therefore, online assistance agent is a new job that is wasn’t exist before the
online shopping websites.
According to the article “ Inside an Amazon Warehouse,
Robots’ Ways Rub Off on HumansInside an Amazon Warehouse, Robots’ Ways Rub Off
on Humans”, orders are being reviewed by their employees and it goes through
many of them to make sure there is no mistake occurring. Robots and software are
also being used in Amazon’s warehouses to separates the products. I would say
that these employees wouldn’t work in this company without this database which
is the Amazon website because basically, this is how the company works. Therefore,
robots, software, and computers are created for us to help us. I feel that humanity
will live with robots in the following decades.
However, some people will disagree with these technologies
because they think it doesn’t provide privacy. In the article “Twelve Million
Phones, One Dataset, Zero Privacy” Stuart A. Thompson and Charlie Warzel
argue that many companies using their software spy on people’s phones and
attack their privacy as their personal information, images, and locations. I
agree that some companies that are unsecured could do that using different methods
like phone calls, messages and emails, and trick people. Therefore, people have
to be careful while using an unknown source. If we saw it from a different perspective,
we could realize that software can also be used by the FBI. They can track criminal’s phones and know their locations easily.
Resources:
1- Smith, Craig S., "The Machines Are Learning, and So Are the Students", Dec. 18, 2019.
2- "Inside an Amazon Warehouse, Robots’ Ways Rub Off on
HumansInside an Amazon Warehouse, Robots’ Ways Rub Off on Humans", Jan. 07, 2020.
3- Thompson, Stuart A., Warzel, Charlie, "Twelve Million Phones, One Dataset, Zero Privacy", Dec. 19, 2019.
Comments:
1-
Reece,
I have been attracted to your article from the first sentence. You brought up a good point about how we all have the same device, but it could be useless somehow. I haven't thought of it before, but you are right because in my phone, I have all that I want, what I need, all my information, my documents, and folders. As you mentioned, we have to log in to use some of the applications. It would be easy if I logged in using my phone because with the new face scan technology, everything can be unlocked with your face. That sounds funny, but this is the truth.
I have been attracted to your article from the first sentence. You brought up a good point about how we all have the same device, but it could be useless somehow. I haven't thought of it before, but you are right because in my phone, I have all that I want, what I need, all my information, my documents, and folders. As you mentioned, we have to log in to use some of the applications. It would be easy if I logged in using my phone because with the new face scan technology, everything can be unlocked with your face. That sounds funny, but this is the truth.
2-
Michael,
It seems that we have something in common. I read the same article and wrote about it. However, I disagree that AI is replacing teachers and tutors because everything is created and modified by them. I mean for example if we consider the online tutorials like videos are tutors, they are actually created and shared by the teachers. Therefore, AI can be used as a tool to help teachers with their work.
I agree with your point which is that students can have a better opportunity to express themselves in school because they could make relations, meet other students and study together. This also could improve the student's creativity by exchanging thoughts with others.
It seems that we have something in common. I read the same article and wrote about it. However, I disagree that AI is replacing teachers and tutors because everything is created and modified by them. I mean for example if we consider the online tutorials like videos are tutors, they are actually created and shared by the teachers. Therefore, AI can be used as a tool to help teachers with their work.
I agree with your point which is that students can have a better opportunity to express themselves in school because they could make relations, meet other students and study together. This also could improve the student's creativity by exchanging thoughts with others.
3-
Abigail,
Regarding your part about the future, technology is everywhere in our lives like sensors. How complicated this technology is, and you find it mostly in every device. As you mentioned your smartwatch has a sensor that can count your steps and your heartbeats. Also in smartphones, cars, and buildings. Most of the constructions have a fire sprinkler system that uses sensors that gives alarms in case of emergencies. In addition to that, it can auto control the temperature in the building by an HVAC system. Actually, my dad uses the sensor lights in our house to reduce electricity consumption.
Regarding your part about the future, technology is everywhere in our lives like sensors. How complicated this technology is, and you find it mostly in every device. As you mentioned your smartwatch has a sensor that can count your steps and your heartbeats. Also in smartphones, cars, and buildings. Most of the constructions have a fire sprinkler system that uses sensors that gives alarms in case of emergencies. In addition to that, it can auto control the temperature in the building by an HVAC system. Actually, my dad uses the sensor lights in our house to reduce electricity consumption.
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