Automation Invasion

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Can You Dig It-

 

KAYIU WONG
Opinions Editor

Computer-driven automation, the technology that runs self-checkout registers and automated customer service lines, appeal to the average consumer because of its ability to quickly complete traditionally manned tasks. A majority of today’s labor intensive industries are almost fully automatic. Agricultural, mining and manufacturing companies, for example, rely on the science behind robotics to truly drive productivity in their large volume operations. By drastically reducing manual labor and production costs, the rise of robots in the workforce promises a more efficient and successful future.

According to Business Insider, Andy Puzder, the CEO of Carl’s Jr., is considering opening an employee-free, completely automated restaurant. Puzder believes investing money in automation far outweighs investing in paying employees high salaries, especially when the cost of minimum wage is rising in the U.S. Unlike humans, robots do not get tired, lazy, sick or come late to work, making them “perfect employees.” Envisioning an entirely robotic restaurant is a testament to how tech-dependent we have become. Robots performing human tasks are no longer something we dream or read about; robots are already here, and automation is in full swing. Machines taking over the work force is both a distressing and fascinating thought: at this rate, will this technological emphasis on efficiency and perfection cause the need for human labor and interaction to disappear completely? As efficient as automation is, I do not dig the potential prospect of being surrounded by inanimate and programmed objects more than our own living, human race. Automation has certainly reshaped our economy and means of productivity, but it should not affect quintessential social skills.

The next time you go shopping and find yourself choosing between using a self checkout system or approaching a human cashier, it might be worth your while to pick the one-on-one interaction with a physical being. After all, the rise of robots is no longer science fiction.