The world is rapidly embracing the march of robots and AI, but we must be cautious about where we draw the line. The recent rejection of a robot magician, D4YRL, by the prestigious Magic Circle highlights the ongoing debate about the boundaries of AI in the workplace. As AI continues to advance, it's crucial to consider the impact on jobs and the very essence of human intelligence. The book We Are Not Machines by Sarah O'Connor delves into this complex issue, exploring how AI is transforming our jobs and, potentially, our very nature. O'Connor's work provides a fascinating insight into the lives of Amazon employees, translators, and the growing evidence of a decline in human cognitive abilities due to technological shortcuts. She argues that we should carefully decide which tasks should be automated, rather than blindly accepting AI's capabilities. This is particularly evident in the comparison between a Dutch nurse's empathy and a robot carer's lack of emotional connection. The author emphasizes that technology is created and adopted by humans, and it's our responsibility to set boundaries. The influence of tech billionaires, such as Elon Musk, who envision a future dominated by AI and robotics, is a cause for concern. Musk's power and influence, especially after the SpaceX IPO, raise questions about the control of AI and its potential impact on human workers. The comparison between Musk's market dominance in space and the East India Company's historical monopoly on maritime trade is a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked power. O'Connor's reporting highlights the stark differences in how technology affects workers' lives, depending on their bargaining power. In Sweden, for instance, union-employer negotiations have led to a more controlled introduction of autonomous technology. In contrast, the majority of workers may need to rely on government intervention to set boundaries. The Trades Union Congress and the Institute for Public Policy Research in the UK have called for employees' rights to negotiate before new technology is deployed, but ministers' enthusiasm for AI may hinder this. The disproportionate influence of men behind AI models is another concern, as O'Connor points out. As we navigate this rapidly changing landscape, it's essential to fight for the future of work and ensure that AI serves humanity, not the other way around. The march of robots and AI is inevitable, but we must be the ones to set the pace and direction, not the other way around. The future of work can be more human-centric, but it requires a fight to preserve the essence of human creativity, empathy, and intelligence.
