Automation leads to a happier and healthier society
How might we look at automation if it does in fact create better jobs, happier people, and healthier societies?
The importance of contactless payment services and autonomous checkouts have increased dramatically due to COVID-19, and are appealing since they remove the physical interaction of the checkout process entirely. We are seeing enhancements in traditional technologies such as grocery check outs through automation and adoption of such automated technologies, being applied in other industries too. It’s more than likely that even in the post-COVID-19 era the need for contactless, fully automated checkouts will be necessary in addition to brick-and-mortar technology solutions. Automated solutions that solve real problems and meet the needs of consumers are often easier to adopt, as training staff on the new process requires less time allocated to training and technology problems can be outsourced to technical teams and service providers. Amazon's recent announcement to roll-out Amazon ‘Go’ to Whole Foods as a pilot to scale and license the technology to other retailers will change the in-store experience and could set the new trend for how we purchase consumer goods altogether, by creating a fully integrated contactless experience in the future.
There is a view however, that automation technology leads to the loss of jobs. What happens when we re-frame our thinking and redefine jobs? Could this lead to a more equitable future of work?
People don't simple buy products and services, they "hire" them to make progress in specific situations.
How might we look at automation if it does in fact create better jobs, happier people, and healthier societies?
As an example, let's explore the impacts of automation in the retail industry for a moment. How would Amazon's ‘Go’ technology impact jobs in a grocery store? Autonomous checkout are being adopted by more stores, and automating this process could lead to fewer employed persons on the floor scanning products for customers. The reality is that the ratio of autonomous checkout kiosk to humans (cashiers) to is closer to 6:1 vs. 1:1.
Then, what if we examine the "job" that needs to be performed and break it down into smaller tasks? Typically, a cashier's job is to ring in items, process the payment, and pack items on shelves. These tasks can be automated with limited human intervention.
Now, what if we changed the cashier's job to focus more on providing in-depth product knowledge, customer service, and education on healthier living, nutrition, and wellness.
By redefining the job that needs to be performed in store, as part of the new business model we are providing an enhanced experience for customers, accelerating the education of staff in our workplaces by providing them time to perform more intelligent tasks, and high standards of living. Ultimately, technology doesn't need to lead to fewer jobs, but it's up to us to think about how technology is changing the jobs that need to be done and create jobs for the future not the past.