Millions of Brits ‘will lose jobs to robots due to AI and 3-D printers unless government acts now’ say MPs
MPs said all kinds of jobs from taxi and lorry drivers to medical workers are at risk
MILLIONS of Brits could be left out of work unless the Government acts on the surging growth in robotics and artificial intelligence, a damning report reveals.
MPs said all kinds of jobs from taxi and lorry drivers, medical workers, call centre staff, seamstresses, insurance clerks and bank tellers are at risk.
Recent breakthroughs in technology include driverless cars and supercomputers that help doctors to diagnose patients and teachers to tailor lessons for students.
Acting Science and Technology Committee Chair Dr Tania Mathias said artificial intelligence would “fundamentally” change the way we live and work.
And she accused the Government of “lacking” in leadership on the threat.
It came as driverless cars were unveiled in Britain for the first time yesterday.
Dr Mathias said ministers were failing to ensure education and training was up to scratch to create new jobs to replace those that could be lost.
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She warned: “Science fiction is slowly becoming science fact, and robotics and AI look destined to play an increasing role in our lives over the coming decades.
“Concerns about machines taking jobs and eliminating the need for human labour have persisted for centuries. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that we will see AI technology creating new jobs over the coming decades while at the same time displacing others.
“Since we cannot yet foresee exactly how these changes will play out, we must respond with a readiness to reskill and upskill.”
And she added: “Government leadership in the fields of robotics and AI has been lacking.”
Dr Mathias said ministers must set up a commission to scrutinise AI systems and to encourage debate.
And she slammed them for not having a strategy to develop the new skills workers will need to succeed as the use of AI increases.
List of jobs under threat from artificial intelligence and robotics
Jobs that require creativity or social intelligence like nurses, chiropractors and fashion designers have the least risk of automation while roles like taxi drivers and accountants have the highest risk.