Theoretical physicist and Cosmoologist Stephen Hawking believed that robots could replace humans — and the advancement of robotics has been increasing faster than was expected.
The United States tech company has been working on creating an artificial dog that those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia might befriend.
The development of a robotic dog comes amid reports from institutions like Oxford Economics, that robots are expected to replace up to 20 million factory jobs by 2030.
The rapid development of robotics raises the question: do robots pose an imminent threat to humanity?
Stealing our jobs
There are 2.25 million robots working in the world, an analysis from Oxford Economics suggested, which also stated that the number has increased over the last two decades.
The report noted that the increase in robotic technology will boost economic growth , as well as productivity, and also create jobs in the industry, however it also warned that this would create millions of jobs in manufacturing to be eliminated by robots.
In the coming 20 years, the report stated that the world’s stock of robots could be at least twenty million before 2030. That includes 14 million being in China just.
Remotely controlled Ugo robot folds clothing during an exhibition at the Japan the innovation lounge at the G20 leaders summit at Osaka, Japan, June 28th 2019. (Reuters Archive)
Regions and countries across the globe could have diverse figures on jobs lost, according to the report, noting that an disproportionate burden is inevitable for less skilled workers and those with less economies.
The report also revealed that robots are responsible for nearly double the amount of manufacturing jobs being lost in less skilled areas.
Danger for humans?
The fact is that the advancement of robotics has greatly benefited mankind in a variety of areas of everyday life. There are a lot of studies that suggest robots could pose a threat humanity.
Stephen Hawking, an English theoretical physicist and cosmologist and author who passed away in the year 2000, was worried about the rapid growth of robot automation.
Physics researcher Stephen Hawking sits on stage for an announcement about Stephen Hawking’s Breakthrough Starshot initiative, New York 12 April 2016. (File photo) (Reuters Archive)
“If machines can produce all we require it will all depend on how the goods are shared. Anyone can live an extravagant lifestyle in the event that the wealth created by machines is shared, but the majority of people will end up being poor if the machine’s owners effectively fight to stop redistribution of wealth. As of now, the trend is pointing towards the second option, as technology is increasing inequality.” Hawking said in an interview on a Reddit discussion in October of 2015.
Hawking’s strategy for developing robotic technology wasn’t just focused on the industrial field but also on individuals’ lives in direct.
Also, he believed in artificial intelligence that could be able to replace humans entirely.
