AEIS 111 #3 draft
Can high-tech machines replace humans?
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). In factories and manufacturing industries, robots can use the resource better than humans. In addition, fully autonomous robots today can mimic human emotions and even hold a conversation with a human being (Utne, 2011). This means that technology is increasingly threatening the roles and functions of the human beingWith the extent of what high tech machines can do today, they can practically replace humans in terms of tasks and the volume of accomplishments.
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, many stores which relied on humans to process orders with more online stores such as Macy's are depending on machines for their day to day operations. In this case, computers provide more convenient way to help customers access goods and services with a comfort of their homes or using mobile devices. Another area where technology has proven that it can replace humans is in manufacturing. Robots are used to perform complicated maneuvers like bagging groceries, assisting customers or even doing inventories that humans cannot accept.
Secondly, robots can interact with humans and even show emotion and offer 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. Recently, in Hong Kong, Tao Xiangli has produced a ''real'' robot which is like humans. Not only this robot looks like a real person, but is capable of doing research in several scientific area. You just use machines to control the robots thought, order the robot to do something. In many case, robots can do calculations and scientific researches better than humans, which is exactly greater than humans. 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 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 closer to the human thought process, and may one day technologies 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 humans. This implies that in the future, machines may be able to “think” better than humans.
In conclusion, technological advancements have overseen the replacement of humans with machines in occupational settings such as in industries (Yee, 2012). [Because some machines have been able to achieve higher output rates with greater effectiveness and lower cost than humans,robots can complete the complex task more faster than humans cannot 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.
References
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
