A new report from the International Bar Association (IBA) suggests machines will mostly likely replace humans in a growing number of occupations. One of the authors of the report, Gerlind Wisskirchen, believes that governments need to introduce human quotas（配额）in some sectors in order to protect jobs.
The report suggests that the jobs at risk are common ones, such as accountants and lawyers. Financial services are more at risk than legal roles though, as algorithms（计算机程序）are easier for a computer to solve when compared to keeping client relationships and making new laws. Simple physical work is also in the firing line, the authors mention.
As the world population heads toward 7 to 10 billion, futurist Morris Miselowski says, “I am not sure that this nine-to-five, Monday to Friday work as we understand it, will continue for many of us for the next couple of decades.” He forecasts that the biggest changes will be a shift（转变）away from the traditional work time..
“Artificial intelligence (AI)（人工智能）… and all sorts of new technologies are just about to happen; all of that's going to change where, how and when we do work.”
Ms Wissfikirchen was surprised by how far-reaching the effects of automation（自动化）are.
“Even though automation began 30 years ago in the blue-collar sector, the new development of artificial intelligence and robotics affects not just the blue-collar sector, but the white-collar sector,” said Ms Wisskirchen.
Toby Walsh, professor of Artificial Intelligence at UNSW, said there was a ray of hope when it came to technology and the future of jobs.
“It's always good to remember that although technology will take jobs away as they raise in this report, there will also be new jobs created by technology,” he said. “In fact if we look at the history of technology since the Industrial Revolution, more jobs have been created than destroyed.”
