Discussion: There have been many books and opinion pieces written about the impact of AI on jobs and ideas for societal responses to address the issues. Two ideas were mentioned in the chapter – UBI and SIS. What are the pros and cons of these ideas? How would these be implemented?
Exercise:
1. Identify applications other than those discussed in this chapter where Pepper is being used for commercial and personal purposes.
2. Go through specifications of MAARS at https://www. qinetiq-na.com/wp-content/uploads/brochure_ maars.pdf. What are the functions of MAARS?
3. Conduct online research to find at least one new robotics application in agriculture. Prepare a brief summary of your research: the problem addressed, technology summary results achieved if any, and lessons learned.
4. Conduct online research to find at least one new robotics application in healthcare. Prepare a brief summary of your research: the problem addressed, technology summary, results achieved if any, and lessons learned.
5. Conduct online research to find at least one new robotics application in customer service. Prepare a brief summary of your research: the problem addressed, technology summary, results achieved if any, and lessons learned.
6. Conduct online research to find at least one new robotics application in an industry of your choice. Prepare a brief summary of your research: the problem addressed, technology summary, results achieved if any, and lessons learned.
7. Conduct research to identify the most recent developments in self-driving cars.
Questions:
1. Based upon the current state of the art of robotics applications, which industries are most likely to embrace robotics? Why?
2. Watch the following two videos: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=GHc63Xgc0-8 and https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggN8wCWSIx4 for a different view on the impact of AI on future jobs. What are your takeaways from these videos? What is the more likely scenario in your view? How can you prepare for the day when humans indeed may not need to apply for many jobs?