Introduction
Ever since the early 19th century, humans have competed for jobs with high-tech machines. Machines and computers seem to be wining this battle and have been eating into manufacturing jobs for several decades (Myers, 2013). They have proved faster, cheaper and offer greater precision than human line workers. This has led to the loss of many jobs by human worker as a result of being outdone by machines. In factories and manufacturing industries, robots can be programmed to perform tasks such as spray-painting and joining of parts with better resource outcomes than those attained by humans. In addition, fully autonomous robots today can mimic human emotions and even hold a conversation with a human being (Utne, 2011). This implies that technology is increasingly threatening the roles and functions of the human being. This paper examines the competition between man and technology asserts that high-tech machines can replace humans.
The first reason why high-tech machines can replace human beings is because they can perform the jobs done by humans in a more organized, efficient, effective and cost effective manner (Decker, 2007). For example, Blockbuster stores which relied on humans to take and process orders have been replaced with the more efficient online stores such as Netflix. In this regard, computers provide a more convenient buying experience where customers access goods and services in the comfort of their homes or using mobile devices when on the move. Another area where technology has proven that it can replace humans is in manufacturing. Robots and robot arms are used to perform complicated maneuvers that humans cannot accomplish.
Secondly, modern robots can interact with humans and even show emotion while offering companionship. It is just a matter of time before robots find their way into homes where they will have relationships with humans and other robots. More recently, the University of Washington has produced a “comedian” robot while MIT has created a “bartender” robot that can make various cocktails with impeccable precision. This implies that with more and more complex creations being developed, high-tech machines such as robots may eventually take up human roles in society.
Thirdly, technological advancements have made artificial intelligence (AI) possible (Decker, 2007). AI comprises of the interpretation of patterns, numbers or logic to make decisions or carry out certain tasks. AI enables machines to rationally and logically make decisions while acting autonomously (Yee, 2012). This cognitive process is moving closer and closer to the human thought process and may one day even overtake the thinking capacity that humans can achieve. AI technologies have an edge over humans in terms of memory. This is because they have a bigger memory which is more reliable and robust than that of humans. Their processing speed is also higher than that of humans. This implies that in future, machines may be able to “think” better than humans.
Conclusion
Technological advancements have overseen the replacement of humans with machines in occupational settings such as in industries (Yee, 2012). This is because some machines have been able to achieve higher output rates with greater effectiveness, efficiency and at a lower cost than humans. Robot arms conduct fast maneuvers to accomplish complex tasks which humans cannot accomplish at the same rate and accuracy. More recently, robots have been able to interpret and elicit human-like emotions and conversations. In addition, artificial intelligence continues to make processing actions by computers to be almost human-like. The future holds more advanced technologies which may see humans replaced in homes, relationships and places of work.
Work Cited
Decker, M. (2007). Can Humans Be Replaced by Autonomous Robots? Ethical reflections in the framework of an Interdisciplinary Technology Assessment. Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis, Research Centre Karlsruhe, 3(2), 1-5.
Myers, C. B. (2013). Will A Machine Replace You? Forbes. Retrieved November 24, 2013, from http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/18/technology-obsolete-jobs-opinions-contributors-artificial-intelligence-09-myers.html
Utne. (2011). Will Robots Replace Humans for Everything? Utne. Retrieved November 26, 2013, from http://www.utne.com/science-and-technology/will-robots-replace-humans-zm0z13sozlin.aspx#axzz2lfz3E9r8
Yee, H. (2012). TED Conversations. Can technology replace human intelligence? Retrieved November 26, 2013, from http://www.ted.com/conversations/9837/can_technology_replace_human_i.html
