The Rise and Fall of Elevator Operators
Back in the day, elevator operators were an integral part of our daily lives. Their job involved ensuring smooth rides, applying brakes, and taking passengers to the right floor. But today, we can scarcely imagine a more redundant profession. Pushing a button is all it takes to ascend or descend in an elevator. The operator’s role has become obsolete, a relic of a bygone era.
The Looming AI Takeover
As technology advances, some jobs face the risk of obsolescence. The specter of AI takeover looms large, leaving many in the writing and creative fields anxious. Will computers one day write scripts? Will trucks and trains become 100% automated? These questions fuel our collective imagination and concern.
A Historical Perspective
However, let’s step back and consider history. Technology has always been an evolutionary force in the workplace. Think beyond elevators. Remember the invention of the wheel and the tractor? Can you imagine digging trenches by hand before the wheel’s advent? Humans have consistently adapted to technological changes, finding new ways to work alongside machines.
The Rise of Drones
Drones exemplify this ongoing transformation. Even without AI, drones are revolutionizing certain types of work. In the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) industry, they handle tasks that are “dull, dangerous, and dirty.” Imagine sending a person up a wind turbine or a cell tower for inspection—risky and time-consuming. Now, we deploy drones to catalog damage efficiently. While repairs may still require human intervention, minimizing such risky ascents reduces the chances of accidents.
Safer Work, Brighter Future
Consider gas exhaust pipes on oil rigs. Before drones, inspections involved shutting down the rig for a week and sending someone up to examine rivets and structures. With drones, the same task can be completed in a day. By embracing drone technology, we make work safer and more efficient. It’s not just about being a service provider; it’s about contributing to a safer world.
My Personal Journey
As someone with a hearing disability and a cochlear implant, I’ve experienced firsthand how technology can transform lives. The implant allows me to hear sounds that were once inaccessible. It’s a testament to the positive impact of innovation. Just as elevators evolved, so have our abilities to adapt and thrive in a changing world.
The Unknown Future
The future can evoke fear or inspire action. Yes, AI may automate large portions of work, but it will also transform industries and people. As we adapt, new opportunities will emerge. Perhaps the writing and creative class will collaborate with AI, creating scripts that blend human creativity with machine precision. Maybe we’ll find innovative roles in managing automated systems or designing ethical AI.
In this ever-changing landscape, let curiosity guide us. Let’s prepare for the unknown, knowing that every technological shift brings both challenges and possibilities. The future awaits, and it’s up to us to shape it.
This post was edited with the help of an AI digital assistant, which provided suggestions for clarity and expression.