Outlines
In this part of the exam guide, we will give you an outline of each of the texts or videos in the source material which will provide you with a good overview of the different issues and opinions concerning the topic robots changing the workplace.
Robot revolution: rise of 'thinking' machines could exacerbate inequality
Author: Heather Stewart
Genre: Article
Year of Publication: 2015
“Robot revolution: rise of 'thinking' machines could exacerbate inequality” is an article which was published on the website of the British newspaper The Guardian in 2015.
According to a report from analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, an investment bank, in 20 years’ time, human kind will witness a robotics revolution which will transform the economy as robots will be increasingly used to do activities previously performed by humans.
The report notes that robots are already being used in almost all industry sectors, but in 20 years’ time many people will be at risk of being displaced by robots in the workplace, particularly those with low-income jobs. The same report shows that this is very likely to lead to polarisation
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Robot doctors and lawyers? It’s a change we should embrace
Author: Daniel Susskind
Genre: Article
Year of Publication: 2015
“Robot doctors and lawyers? It’s a change we should embrace” is an article which was published on the website of the British newspaper The Guardian in 2015. The text includes a presentation of a book on the evolution of robotics written by Richard Susskind and Daniel Susskind, titled “The Future of the Professions”.
The author believes that professions have developed to help people solve issues they do not know how or do not have the time to solve.
He argues that humans might no longer be fit or needed to solve certain issues because of the development of robotics. He gives the examples of a legal online platform and a type of accounting software which many people preferred to use instead of using traditional accountants and lawyers.
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Meet the robots making Amazon even faster
Author: CNET News
Genre: Video
Year of Publication: 2014
“Meet the robots making Amazon even faster” is a short video report about the use of robots in Amazon fulfilment centres.
The video shows the inside of an Amazon centre where Kiva robots are used to help employees fulfil orders. The robots pick the right product inventory and deliver it to employees, who stand on a platform instead of going to search for the product for themselves. They have motion sensors and can travel at 3-4 miles per hour.
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Could a robot do your job?
Author: BBC News/Rory Cellan-Jones
Genre: Video
Year of Publication: 2015
“Could a robot do your job?” is a video published on the BBC News website in 2015.
The reporter, Rory Cellan-Jones, is in a room with a big robot named Baxter and two other smaller ones. Baxter is a collaborative robot that can work in a factory, doing simple tasks.
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