The robots arent coming for your jobs at least according to these AI and robotics leaders – GeekWire

Amazon Robotics robots, evolved from the acquisition of Kiva Systems, move shelving units at the companys robotics sortation center outside Pittsburgh. (GeekWire Photo / Todd Bishop)

PITTSBURGH There are no shortage of headlines about automation, artificial intelligence and robotics wiping out large swaths of employment, from truck drivers to painters to food service workers.

But opinions are mixed on the robotics revolution and its potential impact on society.

Globally, 48% of respondents to a Pew Research Center survey said automating jobs historically performed by humans is a good thing, while 42% said it was a bad thing. In the U.S., folks are not as upbeat about the promise of automation in the workplace 50% say its a bad thing, and 41% say its a good thing.

So what do the people building robots think? Well, of course, they dont believe they are contributing to the demise of society.

Instead, they see a harmonious relationship between humans and robots a new workplace in which happier employees focus on higher value tasks and let the robots do the dull, demeaning and dirty jobs. They also feel automation is the one tool that can help fix complex labor and supply chain issues.

Five leaders in the robotics field spoke on the topic Tuesday at the Cascadia Connect Robotics Automation and AI conference in Pittsburgh. The conference is organized by Seattle-based Cascadia Capital, which is underwriting GeekWiresindependent reporting on the topic.

Heres what the leaders had to say:

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The robots arent coming for your jobs at least according to these AI and robotics leaders - GeekWire