Summary: Automation is quickly transforming the global workforce. But are technologies like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) augmenting workers who can now do more and increase business productivity? Or are they replacing workers and allowing businesses to cut costs and improve margins? Much like AI (artificial intelligence), there is an aspect of #digitalethics that needs to be discussed and that conversation requires the participation of businesses, technology providers, governments, and society to determine just what type of “culture” we will live in and how automation can be leveraged to advantage within an ethical framework that benefits all. OUR “In Case You Missed It” FAST FIVE 1. Walmart’s AI-based concept store is alive and kicking (and it isn’t anything like Amazon’s GO) 2. Kohl’s expands its “hybrid GIG economy” partnership with Amazon 3. Samsung bets $116 billion on logic chips to compete with Intel & Qualcomm 4. Facebook sets aside $3 - $5 billion dollars for the FTC’s “user data” inquiry (and nothing will change) 5. Even Elon Musk is hedging on his prediction of 1 million Tesla robotaxis by 2020 OUR TECH BITES WINNER: First we learned Amazon’s Alexa was saving and sharing snippets of user conversations with Amazon’s Data Services “review” team. Now we learn this same team has access to Alexa geotagging data that could allow reviewers to match conversations with user addresses. We’ve got to ask the obvious question “is there an ethics officer within Amazon and did they know about this?” Our guess is yes on the former and no on the latter (or so we hope). OUR CRYSTAL BALL PREDICTION: By the year 2030, will automation replace more workers than it augments? Unfortunately, the answer is complex, and one that needs to take into account a number of factors—including the risk of job obsolescence due to other market factors— that need to be taken into account. We share our Yes/No predictions and explain why. INFORMATION: This Futurum Podcast features Fred McClimans (@fredmcclimans) and Olivier Blanchard (@OABlanchard). If you haven't already, please subscribe to our show on iTunes or SoundCloud. For inquiries or more information on the show, email the team at podcast@futurumresearch.com or follow @FuturumPodcast on Twitter. To learn more about Futurum Research please visit www.futurumresearch.com. DISCLOSURE: Futurum Research is a research and analysis provider, not an investment advisor. The Futurum Tech Podcast (and all related written notes and materials) is a newsletter/podcast intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. Futurum Research does not provide personalized investment advice and no investment advice is offered or implied by this podcast.
