The Rise of the Robots

Is a world in which AI automates everything progress or a problem?

Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash

The whirring gears and rhythmic buzzing and beeping of robots have long been relegated to science fiction, creating a vision of a future where humans are mere spectators in a machine-driven world. But that future is no longer fiction; it’s unfolding before our eyes, driven by the relentless march of AI and automation. As robots become increasingly sophisticated, serious questions loom large: what does this mean for the future of work? What ethical and sociological considerations must we address to avoid a dystopian hellscape of mass unemployment and societal breakdown?

The upside and potential benefits of AI are undeniable. As Andrew McAfee, co-director of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, aptly states, “Automation has historically been a force for good, increasing productivity, lowering prices, and creating new jobs.” Robots can handle repetitive tasks with superhuman efficiency…