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Ask HN: What happened to robots taking all our jobs?

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Re: Ask HN: What happened to robots taking all our jobs?

#61

Post by Teever »

lupire wrote: post #58
chadcmulligan wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But they're not robots - they've just outsourced the checkout job to the customer and made it so they require minimal training. Technology has made this easier, but it's not robotics.

There are too kinds of automatic: logic automation to replace worker training, and physical automation to replace worker movement. Self checkout is logic automation, making the checkout job easy enough that customer can be trusted to do it. Checkout used to have two jobs: a checker and a customer standing around waiting. Self-checkout merged those two jobs into one.

Three jobs in many instances actually. The bag boy would put the products into bags and possibly walk it out to your car.

Re: Ask HN: What happened to robots taking all our jobs?

#63

Post by gidorah »

Robots have taken loads of accounting jobs. API integration, better software, et al have removed loads of mid-career/mid-level jobs.

I currently work at a small eocm business, the number of systems and integrations availble have gutted the typical career progression.

I am concerned at how to navigate from data entry clerk to CFO. This path was available historically, however, it is becomkng less-so.

Audit jobs are going too. Previously, a firm would need a big staff to check numbers. Now it's a lot easier to audit a process becuase the company uses SAP, Netsuite, or some other big name ERP.

Re: Ask HN: What happened to robots taking all our jobs?

#65

Post by mdrzn »

Teever wrote: post #61
lupire wrote: post #58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There are too kinds of automatic: logic automation to replace worker training, and physical automation to replace worker movement. Self checkout is logic automation, making the checkout job easy enough that customer can be trusted to do it. Checkout used to have two jobs: a checker and a customer standing around waiting. Self-checkout merged those two jobs into one.

Three jobs in many instances actually. The bag boy would put the products into bags and possibly walk it out to your car.

This is a US-only thing as far as I know.

Re: Ask HN: What happened to robots taking all our jobs?

#66

Post by supertrope »

Robots and automation take over one discrete task at a time, not whole jobs in one fell swoop.

It allows a smaller workforce to handle the same or greater volume. A port that had 1000 longshoremen can be staffed with 100 people. That’s as much due to workflows adapting to new technology, the use of standardized containers, and scale as it is a robot that slots in 1:1 for a crane operator. Bank of America opened a virtual branch in my town. There’s two ATMs that let you video chat with a teller if needed.

Or the end product itself has been obsoleted by something more mechanized, computerized, or standardized. Computer files means no more file clerks. Email reduces demand for First Class letters and mailroom staff. Dedicated staff passing around external mail and interdepartmental envelopes with the prior recipient and sender crossed out is an anachronism. Direct deposit/ACH and debit cards reduce demand for payroll staff, bookkeepers, tellers, armored car services, and checkbook manufacturing. Even low end legal labor like document review has been automated.

Demand is elastic. When goods are factory made they become cheaper and people individually buy more and more people can afford to buy one.

Re: Ask HN: What happened to robots taking all our jobs?

#67

Post by zach_garwood »

hyperman1 wrote: post #64

Ask your ATM. It replaced a real bank employee.

My bank still has tellers. Also, I'm not sure that making your customer do the work instead of an employee is quite the same as automation. Would you consider the self checkout line at the grocery as automation? A human is still doing all the work, the difference is the store doesn't have to pay for the labor.

Re: Ask HN: What happened to robots taking all our jobs?

#68

Post by samemail88 »

zach_garwood wrote: post #67
hyperman1 wrote: post #64

Ask your ATM. It replaced a real bank employee.

My bank still has tellers. Also, I'm not sure that making your customer do the work instead of an employee is quite the same as automation. Would you consider the self checkout line at the grocery as automation? A human is still doing all the work, the difference is the store doesn't have to pay for the labor.

I agree. Like a washing machine when it was first introduced is true automation as it washed clothes for you instead of you hand washing it. Taking the washing machine as an example, I would not consider it automation if I had my maid hand wash my clothes instead of me hand washing them. Washing machines, the stove (I don't need to maintain a fire, etc), a water heater are past robots/automation. But what about all new automations/robots of this generation?

Re: Ask HN: What happened to robots taking all our jobs?

#70

Post by wenc »

Robots taking our jobs = a headline. Automation leading to deskilling and removal of certain job functions = reality. Many jobs that are amenable to complete automation are not being backfilled.

Robotics is only one way to achieve automation -- I wouldn't be obsessed with "robots" per se and insist it's not taking over.

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