Impact of AI and Robotics on Professions: A Case Study

This article discusses the impact of AI and Robotics on professions such as doctors, construction workers, and teachers. It analyzes the past demographics, future prospects, and employment trends in these professions. The article also explores the implications of AI and Robotics on present-day professionals and managers.

Running head: PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Performance Management
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

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Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................2
Discussion..............................................................................................................................2
Doctors...............................................................................................................................3
Past Demographics of Doctors.......................................................................................3
Future Prospects............................................................................................................3
Construction Workers.........................................................................................................3
Past Demographics of Construction Workers................................................................3
Future Prospect..............................................................................................................4
Teachers.............................................................................................................................4
Past Demographics of Teachers....................................................................................4
Future prospects.............................................................................................................5
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................5
Recommendations.................................................................................................................5
References.............................................................................................................................7
Appendix 1.............................................................................................................................9

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Introduction
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming one of the emerging trends in today’s world. In
the advent of modern era of information, the use of AI has become indisputable in many
professional sectors. In sectors like aviation, healthcare, meteorology and space research
and construction, the use of AI and robotics have increased efficiency in many aspects.
Due to this reason, there has been considerable discussion whether AI and Robotics will
replace Human resources in future (Müller and Bostrom 2016). Artificial Intelligence is
concerned with the development of programs that can perform tasks without human
assistance. They are algorithms that are used for learning, search engine optimization,
problem solving, logical decision-making, and understanding of language understanding.
Robotics on the other hand are completely different as they are just machines (Bradlow
2015). They are programmed in a certain way so that can carry out a set of predetermined
tasks autonomously or with minimal human support. With the advancements of new
technology, scientists have introduced Artificially Intelligent Robots. These robots are
programmed with AI and have certain abilities to think, react, and make decisions based
on the available data and logical algorithm. In most cases, the robots that are produced
are only programmed in such a way that they can only produce one task repetitively.
These are the robots commonly used in industrial purposes while sometimes Artificially
Intelligent Robots are also used in some arenas.
The use of these robots have made many jobs easier while has also threatened the
employment percentage of the professionals. According to many specialists, the ear that
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics have the capability to replace humans in their job
positions have enough justified basis. In many sectors like construction, dispatch and
factories Robotics have already replaced human labor while many believe that this is
unlikely to happen in a large scale. They argue that the robots or AI may have certain
thinking or decision-making capabilities but they do not have any emotional or moral
compass that will direct them to proper decision when such situations arise. In many
scenarios, only the humans are able to take fair and empathetic decisions ( Luxton 2014).
For example, in Aviation, the planes now mostly fly on automated pilot mode. All the
programs are set and routes are pre mapped depending on the weather conditions and
optimum utilization of fuel. It will seem that the pilot does not need to be present in the
cockpit to fly the machine. In reality, more than one pilot are present inside the aircraft and
assist in flying the vehicle. Their expertise and skill are indispensable when it comes to
taking off and landing as well as disaster control.
The effects of AI and Robotics on society is far reaching. With these technologies,
we are already experiencing a faster pace of lives and services (Makridakis 2017). Sectors
like transport, construction, dispatch and many more are likely to be affected positively due
to this technology severely in the next 20 years. In this paper, the demographic and
employment trends of Doctors, Construction Workers and Chefs will be discussed. How
Human Resource Management frameworks and theory can assist in their employment
retention will also be analyzed. Depending on those findings, the impact of AI and
Robotics in these professions in the future will be explored. Furthermore, the implications
that AI and Robotics have on present day professionals and managers are also evaluated.
Discussion
The introduction and subsequent popularity of AI and Robotics in recent times have given
rise to the fear among many thinkers that they threaten human employment. While many
scientists support this belief, many vote completely against that. For the purpose of better

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understanding, the professions of Doctor, Construction workers and Teachers are taken to
evaluate the past job trends, present statistics and future prospect of them depending on
the present condition.
Doctors
Past Demographics of Doctors
The basic idea of general practice of medicine has always been the needs and
expectations projected by the society (Jiang et al. 2017). Until 1960s and 70s this
phenomenon remained which changed post 1970s. The practice of medicine became
more specialized and their scope has narrowed down. In the first approach it seems that
the specialty care will be more valued while in reality the need for general practitioners
have increased. With the widespread destruction of human lives and many more injured,
the increased demand of doctors was seen post world war era. In 1972, according to
statistics, only one specialist doctor was available for every 721 people. By 2012, the
number of doctors increased in such exponential numbers that this count was changed to
281 people for every doctor in Australia when it comes to specialists (Harris and Zwar
2014). In general practice too, this trend was upheld. In 1970s, each general practitioner
had 1700 patients, which declined to 895 patients in 2012. This clearly indicates that the
numbers of doctors have increased at a steady pace in both specialist and general
practice genre.
Future Prospects
The work process of a medical practitioner can be explained using the Standard
Casual Model of Human Resource Management (Appendix 1). When a patient comes for
any consultation or procedure, he automatically falls into the overall practice strategy of
the medical profession. In the next step, the doctor first assess the medical and health
related history of a patient. He creates a treatment plan depending on his understanding
and diagnosis (Krittanawong 2018). He keeps in mind the quality of life of the patient and
his well-being. He has some outcomes planned and if everything is executed as planned,
the outcome is achieved. This rigorous practice ensures internal and financial performance
enhancement of both parties. With the introduction of AI and Robotics, some menial tasks
of the doctors might be taken away. In surgeries too, the use if AI programmed robots
have shown results, which are unprecedented. Earlier, many surgeries had life threatening
implications if done in traditional process. Now, these surgeries are performed with
precision by AI robots that have reduced the mortality rate among terminally patients. In
radiology and pathology too, the use of robotics have brought in a new era (Jha and Topol
2016). In spite of all these the requirements of doctors, be it specialists and general
practitioners have not reduced at all. Robots cannot perform the empathetic aspects and
moral decision-making that a doctor is able to perform. In future, too, the expertise of a
doctor and specialists in this world is not going to reduce. The humanitarian aspects of any
profession cannot be denied. In Australia too, where there are several different cultures,
the doctors are especially needed. Thus, by 2060, it can be predicted that the occupation
of the doctors will see much more improvement, where the AI robots will be able to work
under direct supervision of the specialists and performing jobs that need precision at the
level that is not possible for humans (Coiera 1996). The effect in employment in this case
is not accountable to AI invasion. Rather the ever-increasing numbers of doctors since the
last four decades might contribute to that phenomenon.
Construction Workers
Past Demographics of Construction Workers
Construction workers are blue-collared workers that are mostly involved in menial
tasks. They are involved with the construction of buildings. Earlier, all the works were done
manually. Thus, a huge numbers of construction workers were available everywhere.

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Sometimes, shortages of workers were faced in remote places. In Australia too, the same
scenario persisted. Just before the 1970s, 46% of workers were involved in construction
industry. By the millennium, that proportion was reduced to a mere 28% ("4102.0 -
Australian Social Trends, 1997", 2006). Many factors have contributed to this change.
Earlier, the advancement of the tertiary sector had not happened and thus industry or the
secondary sector was the place where most people were recruited. After the 80s though,
this scenario changed. Tertiary sector or service sector now recruited most population and
thus many workers shifted to that sector. In the last few decades, the wages and
incentives of the workers had also reduced which has subsequently led to the fall of
number of workers in this sector. The companies generally like to recruit casual or part-
time workers to reduce cost (Wyatt 2006). This is also another reason that workers are not
interested in this job anymore. The risk factors that are involved in this sector is another
reason why workers have migrated to other sectors. Moreover, the introduction of
machines much of the work that the workers earlier did have now been replaced (Borys
2012).
Future Prospect
The robots are extremely good for menial and repetitive tasks. They do not get
tired, do not demand raise and leave. They are mostly on time investment with only minor
maintenance charges. These are the reasons that the owners of construction companies
are preferring the machines over humans in many cases (Petropoulos 2018.). The humans
can do the planning and supervision but robots now generally carry out the basic tasks
with only few workers operating the machines. The Standard Casual model of Human
Resource management can explain the work process undertaken by workers in a
construction site (Appendix 1). They first build a strategy on how to execute the plan, they
build according to that and the outcome improves the finance of the firm as well as their
internal skill. From a futuristic prospect, it does not seem positive that the construction
workers will have a much secured positions or growth opportunities for them. The use of
robotics and its advancement will slowly replace all human involvement when it comes to
construction industry. Thinkers are already claiming that AI is the future of construction. By
2060, it is probable that, the worker industry and union system will be almost abolished.
Teachers
Past Demographics of Teachers
The teaching profession has it origin since the beginning of human civilization. In
ancient times, the education system was quite different. In Australia, the education system
changed due to colonization. The post-world war era brought with it the phenomenon of
globalization. Since 1970s, the composition of teachers and student ratio have changed. In
1970s Australia, the teacher student ratio was 20.8, which decreased to 16.9 students per
teacher in 2002. Keeping in mind the population increase and increased rate of inclusion
of other communities in the education system, the recruitment rate of teaches have been
quite high. The Australian government has always aimed to increase the number of
teachers so that the student teacher ratio can be improved. Most teachers in Australian
schools are full-time. In 1982, there were 181,500 full time teachers, which increased to
225,400 in 2002 ("Fast Facts: Teacher trends (28)", 2014). This growth of 24% is greater
than the student inclusion growth, which was only 10% by that time. This growth was more
prominent in primary schools rather than secondary schools where, in these 20 years, the
decrease in student teacher ratio was 12.4 from 13.1. The private schools in Australia
experienced more growth than public schools. Between the year 1982 and 2002, full time
teachers in private schools increased by 84% and the students share also increased by
47%. The teachers recruited are mostly from Catholic background. The male female ratio
is also unbalanced in Australia. Here, women teachers are mostly appointed on full time
basis. Moreover, the male teachers are likely to work longer hours.

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Future prospects
The working process of the teachers can be explained using the standard casual
model of HRM (Appendix 1). The teachers depending upon the school and class
curriculum prepares a lesson plan. This strategy helps him successfully manage the
syllabus assigned to him. Following the study plan, the teacher looks forward to positive
learning outcome and enhancement of the students as well as the institution. The overall
performance of the students in turn enhances their own financial potential as well as the
potential of the institution. Due to the use of machine learning using AI, many schools have
now introduced smart classes (Jha and Ryan 2017). It is likely that, in next 20 years, the
use of these learning machineries will increase and many aspects of a teacher’s job will be
reassigned to them. In the next 60 year, predictably, use of Robotics might become
popular in lecture sessions and lesson planning (Šafarič et al. 2013). However, the
teachers are not only responsible for imparting knowledge but rather wisdom. They give
teachings that go far beyond the given curriculum of the institution (Hajkowicz et al. 2016).
Thus, it is unlikely that their demand will decrease due to the incorporation of AI and
robotics.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, the conclusion that can be drawn is that, modern
technologies, no doubt, has become an indisputable part of the present trend. The
introduction of AI and Robotics has made work easier for many. While these technologies
have many positive aspects, like, reduction of operational time, tirelessness and low
maintenance, the importance of human presence, skill, analysis and morality cannot be
denied any way. In most professions, even if the labor aspects are excluded, the aesthetic
as well as sensory aspects will always be there. Like in Amazon, Robotics is widely used
for locating and transporting the orders in the warehouses. The human employees work
with them and supervise them in their work. When a breakdown occurs, it still needs a
human mechanic and engineer to make it work again. The professions like doctors, nurses
and teachers are based more on humanistic approach. They are extremely involved with
people and their need. While machines may be able to deliver solutions speedily and
accurately, most people generally, do not feel very comfortable in interacting with
machines and robots in the time of distress or need. The emotional support and caregiving
of the doctors and the teachers are indisputable in these professions. Even in professions
like construction, where labor that is more physical is involved, human supervision in
needed. The example of Amazon shows us that robots can performed some preset jobs
with extreme accuracy that is not possible for humans to achieve. Humans make errors
even if it is minimal. Machines on the other hand do not. Neither are they demanding of
any facility. In spite of that, companies use human supervision and brain, their morality and
empathetic nature to carry out the operations of their business. This proves that the
requirement of humans in any work field is not going to be replaced completely by
humanoids any time soon.
Recommendations
In order to reduce the probability and risks of employment reduction due to AI and
Robotics introduction, some measures might be taken.
 People must realize that the menial jobs will be over taken by machines at some
point as there is no doubt that businesses will invest on equipment that will reduce
production cost, time and increase efficiency.
 People must prepare themselves for this trend shift and acquire required skills that
will be useful in future.

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 As the menial jobs will be replaced, jobs that have aesthetic and artistic aspects,
special skill and ability will become much more sought after.
 Having those special skills will benefit everybody in future to work in collaboration
with AI (Breazeal, Hoffman and Lockerd 2004).
 The government should make rules and laws that will create a ratio of automation
versus human in any organization, to protect the interest of the people.
 The government must introduce programs that will help the younger generations to
build skills that will be applicable and required for jobs in future.
 The organizations must make sure that that automation replacement should happen
in a steady pace so that people who are left jobless are able to learn new skills or
find new jobs.
 The government should also encourage its people to engage in self-employment
activities and industries that will eventually reduce the unemployment scenario in
the country.

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References
Harris, M.F. and Zwar, N.A., 2014. Reflections on the history of general practice in
Australia. Medical Journal of Australia, 201(S1), pp.S37-S40.
Makridakis, S., 2017. The forthcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution: Its impact on
society and firms. Futures, 90, pp.46-60.
Müller, V.C. and Bostrom, N., 2016. Future progress in artificial intelligence: A survey of
expert opinion. In Fundamental issues of artificial intelligence (pp. 555-572). Springer,
Cham.
Coiera, E.W., 1996. Artificial intelligence in medicine: the challenges ahead. Journal of the
American Medical Informatics Association, 3(6), pp.363-366.
Jiang, F., Jiang, Y., Zhi, H., Dong, Y., Li, H., Ma, S., Wang, Y., Dong, Q., Shen, H. and
Wang, Y., 2017. Artificial intelligence in healthcare: past, present and future. Stroke and
vascular neurology, 2(4), pp.230-243.
Krittanawong, C., 2018. The rise of artificial intelligence and the uncertain future for
physicians. European journal of internal medicine, 48, pp.e13-e14.
Luxton, D.D., 2014. Artificial intelligence in psychological practice: Current and future
applications and implications. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 45(5),
p.332.
Bradlow, H., 2015. The impact of emerging technologies in the workforce of the
future. Australia’s future workforce, pp.38-47.
Jha, S. and Topol, E.J., 2016. Adapting to artificial intelligence: radiologists and
pathologists as information specialists. Jama, 316(22), pp.2353-2354.
Petropoulos, G., 2018. The impact of artificial intelligence on employment. Praise for Work
in the Digital Age, p.119.
Wyatt, I.D., 2006. Occupational changes during the 20th century. Monthly Lab. Rev., 129,
p.35.
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AI Group, 2015. Australia’s Construction Industry: Profile and Outlook. Economics.
Borys, D., 2012. The role of safe work method statements in the Australian construction
industry. Safety science, 50(2), pp.210-220.
Hajkowicz, S.A., Reeson, A., Rudd, L., Bratanova, A., Hodgers, L., Mason, C. and
Boughen, N., 2016. Tomorrow’s digitally enabled workforce: Megatrends and scenarios for
jobs and employment in Australia over the coming twenty years. Australian Policy Online.
Šafarič, R., Truntič, M., Hercog, D. and Pačnik, G., 2005. Control and robotics remote
laboratory for engineering education. International Journal of Online and Biomedical
Engineering (iJOE), 1(1).
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Fast Facts: Teacher trends (28). (2014). Nces.ed.gov.
Jha, N. and Ryan, C., 2017. The Careers of Teachers in Australia: A Descriptive Study.

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Appendix 1
The Standard Casual Model of HRM:
Figure: Figure 1
Source: Created by the Author
Overall
Strategy HR Strategy HR Practices HR Outcomes
(improved)
Internal
performance
(improved)
Financial
Performance