Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future (Kindle Edition)

I have taught Artificial Intelligence (AI) for 3 decades at a major university. Until about 10 years ago, whenever someone worried about the effect of intelligent software/hardware destroying future jobs, I would always give my "buggy whip" argument, which goes like this:"When the automobile was invented it DID destroy many jobs. Makers of buggy whips and horse troughs were put out of business. But many more NEW jobs were created to replace those older jobs. Witness all the gas stations, auto mechanic shops, car factories, etc."About 8 years ago I lost faith in the buggy whip argument. I realized that, as the technology of AI advanced, a point would be reached in which intelligent software and general-purpose robots could perform all tasks (both mental and physical) that are currently achievable only by highly educated humans. Once one intelligent robot exists with a high level of general intelligence, it can be mass produced. There have...Read more

I read an early draft of the book and just finished the final version. Automation will be THE defining social and political issue of the next decade. And of all the books, articles, blogs, & interviews I've come across on this topic, Rise of the Robots makes the most compelling case yet. I can't recommend this book strongly enough--thought leaders, technologists, and policymakers, please read this! The sooner we can implement thoughtful, complimentary policies, the sooner we can mitigate the negative impact automation can have on hundreds of millions of workers.