The Impacts of Automation on the Individual, Society and the Environment

7.8. The Impacts of Automation on the Individual, Society and the Environment#

Automation is rapidly reshaping how we live, work, and interact with the world around us, creating wide-ranging effects on individuals, society, and the environment. It brings both opportunities and challenges. Below are several examples that highlight both the positive and negative impacts of automation across these domains.

7.8.1. Safety of Workers#

Positive Impacts

  • Automation improves safety by handling dangerous tasks (e.g. heavy lifting, machinery, hazardous materials).

  • Robots can work in environments unsafe for humans, e.g. extreme weather conditions, high-radiation zones, disaster zones.

  • AI devices that predict equipment failures improve worker safety by detecting issues early.

Negative Impacts

  • Over-reliance on AI systems may lead to reduced human vigilance and slower responses to unexpected situations.

  • The pressure to keep pace with machines may lead workers to exceed safe physical or mental limits in an effort to match AI-driven productivity.

  • AI-related job loss can negatively impact workers’ mental health and overall well-being.

7.8.2. People with Disability#

Positive Impacts

  • AI-powered assistive technologies may help with daily tasks (e.g., voice assistants, smart home devices).

  • Tools like speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and real-time translation aid those with hearing or speech impairments.

  • Autonomous wheelchairs, robotic arms, and navigation aids assist with physical movement.

Negative Impacts

  • AI may be trained on non-inclusive data, leading to errors or unfair treatment of people with disabilities.

  • Some AI tools and interfaces may not be designed with accessibility in mind

  • AI tools that monitor health or behavior can raise concerns about personal data and consent.

  • As AI automates certain roles, people with disabilities may face increased challenges in finding suitable employment.

7.8.3. The Nature and Skills Required for Employment#

Positive Impacts

  • AI tools have the potential to boost productivity enabling workers to achieve more in less time with AI assistance.

  • The advancement of AI tools has the potential to generate new job opportunities in areas such as AI development, data analysis, machine maintenance, and ethical oversight.

  • AI tools can be used to automate repetitive tasks, which free workers up to focus on more creative, strategic, or human-centered roles.

Negative Impacts

  • Job displacement will occur especially in roles that are repetitive or easily automated (e.g. data entry, manufacturing).

  • There may be increase pressure to upskill quickly as fast-changing AI tools may require constant learning, creating stress for workers.

  • Advancements in AI may increased inequality as those with access to education and technology may benefit more, widening the skills and income gap.

7.8.4. Production Efficiency, Waste and the Environment#

Positive Impacts

  • AI can be used to optimise resource use and improve manufacturing processes and transport routes by minimising energy, materials, and water usage.

  • AI systems can regulate heating, cooling, and lighting based on real-time data, lowering energy consumption.

  • AI tools can be used to predict maintenance and make smarter inventory decisions which help prevent overproduction and product loss.

  • AI algorithms can track pollution, deforestation, and climate patterns to support environmental protection.

Negative Impacts

  • Training and running AI models require significant electricity, often from non-renewable sources.

  • Increased electronic waste from rapid development of AI hardware can lead to more discarded devices and components.

  • AI may drive fast-paced innovation, causing products to become outdated more quickly and resulting in more waste.

  • Producing AI-related hardware (e.g. GPUs) consumes rare earth minerals and energy.

7.8.5. The Economy and Distribution of Wealth#

Positive Impacts

  • As AI boosts worker productivity across all industries, we can expect to see a reduction in production costs making products more affordable leading to improved living standards and also overall economic growth.

  • AI-powered tools can help deliver healthcare, education, and financial services to under-served areas leading to improved access to services.

  • AI-driven learning platforms can make high-quality education more accessible, helping people improve their job prospects.

Negative Impacts

  • Job automation may replace low- and middle-skill jobs, disproportionately affecting lower-income workers.

  • Developed countries may gain more from AI advancements, leaving developing nations further behind.

  • Large corporations with AI capabilities may dominate industries, reducing opportunities for smaller businesses.