- Written by Janine Masin
- BBC News, East of England Technology Correspondent
There is a growing debate about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment. Public Policy Institute (IPPR) reports that up to 8 million workers in the UK could become vulnerable if technology enables them to do their jobs. But in Cambridgeshire, a company is using AI to extend the working lives of people doing manual labor.
Working as a mechanic can be physically taxing. You will be working under a vehicle, which will require a lot of bending, lifting, and stretching.
Such work can lead to musculoskeletal problems that cause pain in the back, joints, and muscles. It affected 473,000 workers in the UK in 2022-23.
Some people are forced to give up jobs they love because of it, but German Autoworks in Kimbolton is using AI to prevent that from happening.
Technicians were filmed carrying out their daily tasks. AI then analyzed the video and identified pressure points and potential problem areas on the body.
The company then used that information to select specific exoskeletons from the open market for its staff to wear. These are powered harnesses that take the burden of work off your body.
“After a few minutes, it's like putting on a garment and you don't even know it's there,” said engineer John McGaughey.
“Each wheel weighs about 20 kg, but this feels like half the weight, and you can enjoy working without feeling any pain.''
The AI technology was provided by Hertfordshire-based Stanley Handling. The company believed that such systems would become standard personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets and high-vis jackets in the future.
“It's about protecting people,” said Andre Jutel, a solutions consultant at the company.
“There's a lot of hard physical work in the world, and the workforce is aging. The average worker may not be able to retire at age 65. They may have to retire at age 75. This type of technology helps workers work longer.
But can and should jobs like this be automated?
Andre Jutel said that in some cases that is not possible or impractical, adding: “Business is dynamic. It changes and certain tasks are no longer necessary.”
“I've seen 100,000-pound machines become redundant within months because they were designed for a specific purpose. Humans are flexible and adaptable. That's why it's important to help humans. We think it's better to focus on
image source, Getty Images
In each of these situations, due to ergonomic mechanism analysis, the AI performs the task faster than a human, but the results are always checked by a human. Without policies to protect them, there are concerns that many jobs will be lost to AI rather than supported by it. Last year, BT announced plans to replace thousands of jobs with AI technology.
image source, ocado group
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) believes secretarial, customer service and managerial positions are at the most immediate risk, affecting more women.
“AI will be a game-changer for millions of people,” said Carsten Jung, senior economist at IPPR. “If we introduce it, we have the potential to speed up even more tasks.”
“The employment apocalypse is not inevitable. Governments, employers and trade unions now have an opportunity to make important design decisions to properly manage this new technology. If we don’t act, it may be too late.”
The government wants the UK to become a world leader in AI. The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology said: “AI will help make our jobs safer and more satisfying…but we must also prepare for a near future when the capabilities of our most powerful systems will increase significantly.
“AI can and must continue to be a force for the public good, and we will ensure that this is the case as we develop policy approaches in this area.”
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