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Technology

Automatic, for the people: Welcome the robot workforce

By Niall Firth

23 April 2014

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

What future will robots play in the workforce?

(Image: Stephen Voss/Redux/Eyevine)

Fear of machines taking our jobs dates back to the invention of the loom, but this time the world of work will change forever, says Andrew McAfee

Are robots really taking our jobs?
Sure, but there has always been job destruction because of automation and technological progress. The important thing to keep in mind is that there has also always been job creation because of these same forces. Right now, there is a wave of tech hitting the economy and the workforce. The question is, is the balance shifting?…

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