The Impact of Automation on Employment: Key Statistics

Overview of Automation in the Workforce

Around the globe, millions of robots are transforming industries by taking over tasks once performed by humans. This technological evolution brings both opportunities and challenges. Understanding the impact of automation on employment is crucial as we navigate this dual-edged sword.

Editor’s Highlights on Job Loss Due to Automation

• 2.25 million industrial robots are currently in operation worldwide.
• 1.7 million manufacturing positions have been lost to automation to date.
• By 2030, automation could eliminate up to 20 million manufacturing jobs.
• 25% of jobs in the U.S. face a high risk of being automated.
• For every new robot deployed, 1.6 manufacturing jobs are lost.
• Automation is predicted to create 133 million jobs by 2022.

Current Job Losses Attributed to Automation

1. Industrial Robots on the Rise: Over the last two decades, the number of operational robots has tripled, and this trend shows no signs of slowing. Projections suggest there could be 20 million industrial robots globally within the next decade.
2. Manufacturing Job Reductions: Since 2000, 1.7 million jobs in manufacturing have been replaced by automation, highlighting a significant shift in the workforce landscape.
3. Historical Perspective: Only one occupation from the 1950 U.S. Census—elevator operators—has vanished due to automation, while 232 remain, and 32 have declined due to reduced demand.
4. Concerns Among Young Workers: Approximately 37% of American workers aged 18-24 express anxiety about job security in the face of automation, particularly in sectors like retail and logistics.
5. Truck Driving Under Threat: The rise of self-driving technology has left over 3.5 million truck drivers concerned about their future, though full automation in this area is not expected imminently.

Future Job Loss Predictions

6. Women Most Affected: Research indicates that 70% of roles susceptible to automation are held by women, especially in positions like waitstaff and cashiers.
7. Significant U.S. Job Risks: A quarter of American jobs are vulnerable to automation, particularly in the service and manufacturing sectors, with an estimated 36 million roles at high risk.
8. Job Displacement Rate: Each new robot introduced into manufacturing replaces 1.6 workers, often pushing displaced workers into similarly at-risk sectors.
9. Global Manufacturing Job Losses: Projections suggest that up to 20 million manufacturing jobs could be automated by 2030, significantly affecting the global workforce.
10. Wider Impact Across Industries: Estimates indicate that 75 to 375 million workers worldwide could be impacted by automation by 2030, equating to 3-14% of the global workforce.
11. Educational Job Security: Jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree have an average automation potential of only 24%, making them relatively safer from displacement.

Automation Risk by Job Type

12. High-Risk Occupations: Jobs like waitstaff have a 73% potential for automation, while shelf fillers and bar staff follow closely with 72% and 71%, respectively.
13. Lower-Risk Professions: Higher education teachers and medical practitioners face much lower risks, with automation potential around 20% and 18%.

Positive Aspects of Automation

14. Growing Demand for Care Workers: The need for childcare and elderly care workers is expected to increase by at least 100%, as these roles are challenging to automate.
15. New Opportunities from AI: While automation may displace 1.8 million jobs, it is expected to create 2.3 million new roles, enhancing productivity across various sectors.
16. Job Creation vs. Loss: By 2022, job creation due to automation is anticipated to reach 133 million, significantly outpacing job losses.
17. Skill Development Needs: As job dynamics shift, 54% of workers will need to learn new skills, which can lead to better job satisfaction and higher wages.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the extent of job loss due to automation? Millions of jobs have already been affected, with 1.7 million manufacturing jobs lost in the past two decades.
2. Future predictions for job loss by 2030? Up to 20 million jobs in manufacturing alone are at risk, with a total global estimate of 75 to 375 million.
3. Which jobs have been most affected? Manufacturing roles, especially in automotive industries, are among the most susceptible to automation.

Conclusion

While the 21st century has ushered in remarkable technological advancements, it also poses challenges for the workforce. As automation reshapes industries, the need for additional training and education becomes critical for workers facing displacement. Embracing this change can lead to new opportunities and a more skilled workforce prepared for the future.