Possibilities and threats with increased automation
Technology has constantly changed the way we live since the birth of humanity. The wheel saved a lot of work centuries ago, tools used for construction has saved time, Gutenberg’s printing press saved hands and time and gave the possibility to spread knowledge around the world. Clearly, automation has given us opportunities in both manufacturing and daily life. Automated systems can reduce errors caused by humans. Productivity increases, keeping quality at a high level. With the possibility to make phone calls without waiting for an operator to connect the line or the affordable features in a modern car, one can say that automation has made our lives better.
Automation gives us the possibility to build things that would be impossible to achieve in another way. It provides better opportunities for diagnostics and more resources in medicine which allow us to save lives. As production gets more effective and components more integrated, it also allows us to build safer cars using systems like the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control (ESP) and an infinite list of other applications. Automation has made possible access to products like cars with more advanced features for a bigger group of people.
The main question we should ask ourselves is what we want to get from technology. What is our primary goal, and how do we…
