While in the industry, I realized that more medical devices are coming out that are programmed to do multiple functions that allow for cell growth, such as incubation, media cell washes, and cell separation. These medical devices used can be an extremely resourceful piece of equipment and could reduce contamination. The automated programs that these devices execute still require some manual instruction and supervision depending on the process that is being done in case any issues arise. As these new technologies develop, there are some who feel like a lot of these automated systems will get to a point where jobs could end up causing job loss. On the other hand, some believe that this could just end up creating a job that is more focused in one particular aspect. Do you have any opinions on whether you think these automated systems could advance to the point where some jobs will become obsolete due to the progression of technologies? Or will these advancements just create more standardized way of producing different treatments in the medical field and could help create more of a job demand?
Personally, I feel that nothing will be fully automated and will still need some manual labor to achieve certain goals. It still needs to be programmed to do specific functions and employees would still be needed to make sure that if any problems arise that they can resolve it in a timely manner. There is still some preparation needed for certain materials that will need to be done that could not be done on one medical device alone. If it could create a more standardized ways of producing treatments for patients or even medication, I think it would be very useful in reducing the costs of these treatments as well as easier to reproduce the same results each time. I would love to see what people think about this since there could be many different aspects I have not considered!
I agree with you that automated programs would make it so much easier to produce more sterile devices or in general, to help researchers create a more sterile field. This would allow researchers to work a little faster as the chances of their samples being contaminated would become much lower. I do also think that more automation would result in fewer jobs in specific fields, specifically manufacturing/production. However, like you said, there will be a shift towards other roles. This being said, in a more societal/industry sense rather than research, is this change pushing us towards the creation of an even bigger job barrier? If, for example, all of floor production/manufacturing gets automated with 1-2 supervisors, where are the previous floor production employees going to go? I may be wrong, but it seems like a BS is practically required for the jobs that they'd have to migrate to. Are these people going to have to seek one out as well? What if with increasing college costs, they cannot afford it? I know that these are questions that we don't have answers to, but they are something to consider!
I also agree with you that automation would create standardization of products as a machine is generally more precise than a human. However, you mentioned that it may also be useful in reducing the cost of treatment/medication. While I agree with you that generally, yes, it will reduce the overall production/manufacturing cost, I think it is also important to note that this change will probably not be reflected to the consumer. Based on how our healthcare system is set up and how currently, prescriptions that are cheap to manufacture are being charged an arm and a leg for, I don't have much faith that companies will willingly choose to sell their products for less even if they saved money with automation.
I work as a clinical laboratory technologist to validate automated laboratory systems and coincidentally had this conversation with coworkers today! In our lab, we're consistently introduced to new systems and programs implemented by our automation engineers to optimize current processes. For example, liquid handlers. On a good day, everything will run smoothly with no errors. However, when dealing with such large scale instruments, there's substantial preparation and monitoring required. Each instrument requires reagent preparation, loading reagents/consumables, loading samples, connection to a laboratory information management system, and more. Even if there was the possibility that these components could be automated, when errors occur, an engineer or technologist would still be needed for troubleshooting. There are possibilities of collisions, failures to aspirate, and viscous samples that may not be detected by the instrument but instead, will require further investigation by a professional. With emerging technology, I think the advancements will certainly produce more opportunities for individuals in biotechnology.
Hi! I found this discussion super important because I know that many people are worried about losing jobs as a result of automation. I have no experience in industry, but I plan on working in the field in the future. I believe that automation will eliminate certain jobs, but will also create more job opportunities that require slightly different tasks. An automated system, especially one that works with something that directly affects the well-being of the public, such as medical devices, will always require an engineer to ensure that the system is performing well. Although the automated system may reduce the number of employees performing a specific task, it will also create a variety of tasks (e.g. maintenance of the system, safety checks, etc) that also require engineers. In other words, I think engineers will be given different tasks to perform, but probably won’t lose their jobs. I found an article from the Harvard Business Review (linked below) which states that the World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025, advancing technology will actually create 12 million jobs more than what it destroys. The paper also discusses the change in wages as a result of automation which is also an important topic to think about. Do you think that wages are going to change significantly as a result of automation?
https://hbr.org/2021/11/automation-doesnt-just-create-or-destroy-jobs-it-transforms-them (Automation Doesn’t Just Create or Destroy Jobs - It Transforms Them)
I think incorporating more automation in certain jobs can be a great way to improve productivity while also limiting human error. With the proper systems in place, we can let machines do the more menial work and allow the human beings more opportunity for advanced work. At my company, we just recently implemented a computerized equipment management system for tracking maintenance activities on production equipment. We set up a maintenance schedule for each piece of equipment (weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.) so when the deadline approaches, the technicians get a notification in their dashboard. Prior to this, preventive maintenance was being tracked on a paper logsheet placed next to the equipment, and it was up to the technicians to remember when maintenance was due. This new computerized system greatly decreases the dependence on human memory, which of course is not always reliable, and also provides a convenient means of storing and retreiving maintenance logs.
In an ideal world, automation like this allows workers to work less for the same pay while also maintaining or even improving productivity. However there is the very valid concern of people losing their jobs because a good chunk of their work can now be done by a machine. But as OP said, I don't think we've reached the point where any job is 100% automated - there still needs to be some human monitoring, analysis of results, and troubleshooting. Like in the example I gave, the technician is still required to actually perform the maintenance, and we need people to create and maintain the equipment records in the database. I think automation can be a great tool when used responsibly, so long as its not used as an excuse to lay off valuable workers.
I agree with many of the other responses in that automation creates jobs by having the need of more engineers to maintain and design the equipment. I also wanted to add that automation at this point is just getting rid of small tasks not taking anyones job so it does not really concern me. I believe there will be a day when you can automate more and more leading to potential job loss but even then those lost jobs can be put to work elsewhere. The most at risk jobs are lab technicians who do a tedious job that should be automated because there is a huge chance for human error. The scary thing is that machines can also have error so you need someone checking the machines work to make sure everything is working correctly and that there is no consistent error occuring.
With the advancement of technology every second of the day, it is very possible that automated systems could take over some positions that currently require actual employees but it could also increase the job market. There are concerns that medical professionals may lose their jobs as a result of technology as telemedicine and artificial intelligence become more common in healthcare. The industry shouldn't be afraid of technology; instead, we should be ready to accept it as it develops. Automated systems will necessitate adjustments and significant sacrifices.We must keep in mind that human compassion and empathy will be a valuable asset in the future workforce especially dealing with the medical field and that careers centered on education, care, and creativity will continue to be essential to our society.
