In some ways 2020 felt like the end of the world. Almost overnight the way in which most of us worked changed-- we were separated from colleagues, reliant on new technology, and our computer became our new best friend. What should have taken a decade took place virtually overnight. What is the future of work after COVID? Before we look to the future, let’s look back to some of the best articles of 2020 to see what lessons we learned.

AIoT: When Artificial Intelligence Meets the Internet of Things.

AIoT—never heard of it? You’re not alone. AIoT is the relatively new process of combining AI (Artificial Intelligence) with IoT (Internet of Things) to create a wide range of connected devices.

On its own, “IoT devices use the internet to communicate, collect, and exchange information about our online activities.” AI on the other hand, is equipped with “programmable functions and systems that enable devices to learn, reason, and process information like humans.” When used together they become a superpower.

Widespread Usage of AIoT is on the Horizon

Things like AR/VR goggles, wearable devices like smart watches, as well as wireless earbuds are all AIoT advancements which are widely embraced by many today. While the “smart home”, which features devices like smart speakers, TVs, thermostats and kitchen appliances, is currently utilized by some, it’s not yet embraced on a mass scale. This is the area that AIoT will make further strides in during the upcoming years.

AIoT and Smart Cities

AIoT is not limited to personal consumption however—it’s also the technology behind “smart cities” and the public transportation, energy grids and streetlights that go along with it. Not only this, but AIoT hopes to build “smart industries” as well.

AIoT is the Way of the Future

Curious what’s involved? AIoT has the capability to create manufacturing robots, maintenance devices and supply chain management systems. As most of these now have a large amount of human involvement, AIoT could prevent dangerous and costly errors once embraced in the future. How so? Using data, it’s able to help companies predict challenges before they even happen.

While AIoT is still in its infancy, it has the power to greatly impact our lives, let’s hope in a positive way…. Stay tuned for our next article “why 2021 is actually 1984.” Sorry George.

Read the full article here.

Why Your Brain is Not a Computer.

We’ve all heard the metaphor before--perhaps said by our parents, teachers or bosses: “your brain is a computer.” The fact is, that might actually not be true. Scientists are starting to question this statement, and that might be a good thing. There seems to be a lack of consistency regarding how the brain is structured and how it operates.

Data isn’t Knowledge

Though neuroscientists continue to collect mass amounts of data, they are starting to reach an impasse. Why? Because data isn’t knowledge. Compared with 20 to 30 years ago when neuroanatomical and neurophysiological data was scarce, we now have an incredible amount of information, but nothing to do with it.

In order to understand all of this information at a deeper level, we would need to utilize experimental technologies we don’t really have access to, as well as see new advances in data analysis methods.

The Mystery of Consciousness

The fact is, there is no real proof that the brain operates like a computer. Sure brains store and encode information, but we aren’t sure what happens afterwards. If we take the example of consciousness things become even more complicated--which computer possesses consciousness?

If we go one step further, it’s still not widely agreed upon by neuroscientists how the brain even produces consciousness. When it comes to the brain, there are many questions which we don’t even know how to attempt to answer.

Metaphors are Dangerous

So why could this change in thinking be a good thing? To start with, metaphors are dangerous, because they can trick us into believing they are laden with truth. “S Ryan Johansson argued that ‘endlessly debating the truth or falsity of a metaphor like ‘the brain is a computer’ is a waste of time. The relationship proposed is metaphorical, and it is ordering us to do something, not trying to tell us the truth.’”

It’s true—as it stands, this like many other metaphors is interesting, but shouldn’t be confused with reality. What remains evident, is that the future of the brain is still very much unclear, but perhaps in a world where everyone seems to be obsessed with finding the answers, it’s a good thing that some mystery remains

Read the full article here.

The Future of Work is a Matter of Being Human.

We’re wrapping things up with an article bringing a bit more humanity into our over-industrialized world. Due to an increased reliance on technology due to the pandemic, companies were forced to quickly implement new technologies to ensure employees were able to stay connected. With all these rapid advances in technology in an increasingly globalized world, where do humans fit in?

“How do businesses give their employees a sense of purpose and belonging while introducing innovative technologies that replace people? Progress does not come without a price and many already feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of communications technologies.”

The Future of Work is about Happiness

It’s becoming increasingly more important to take into account workers’ personal wishes—they all have families, friends and hobbies, and their job should allow them to incorporate all of these different elements. As it stands, most jobs don’t consider humans' needs at all, which means employees can do them, but can quickly become unhappy and even physically ill. The real question companies should now be asking, is how do we design jobs which humans enjoy to keep them healthy and happy?

Robots are Friends not Foe

“The more alarming projections say that up to 50% of today's jobs will go away in the next 50 years. But if you go back 50 years, half of the jobs that were available back then are gone. Yet here we are, currently at full employment.”*

Employees have a real fear that robots will take over their jobs, but this isn’t really true for the majority. While some jobs will evidently be replaced, in reality most of us will be working with robots, but our jobs will remain. What is important to remember is that while some jobs will be automated, others will be created which haven’t existed before, and previously categorized “niche” jobs will expand exponentially.

Low Paying Jobs at Highest Risk for Automation

Based on current projections, jobs with the highest probability of being automated are relatively low paying: 83% of jobs facing automation are those with a wage less than $20 hourly. 31% have a risk of automation at the $20-40$ hourly mark, and only 3% from an hourly wage of $40+.

Humanity is a Prized Skill

What does that mean for the future of work? That “humanity” is really the prized skill. “A higher premium will be paid for things that involve a great deal of skill or human attention and labor. Handmade items will become much more prized.” There will be many artisanal opportunities, and many skills we currently think of as hobbies will become viable careers.

The Education System Needs to Prepare for the Future

Despite these fantastic opportunities, we’re facing some real issues. Current education systems must be overhauled to meet the future needs of the workforce and make sure people are receiving the kind of education which will guarantee them a job. This isn’t a bad thing though-- automation will make us much wealthier in the process, allowing us to have better lives and indirectly create many more “human jobs”. Sounds pretty good to me.

*Pre-pandemic figures.

Read the full article here.

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