Early elevators required human operators to help passengers ride safely and efficiently. What other once-human jobs are now done by technology? List as many as you can below. Then share your list with the class.

1 answer

Certainly! Here’s a list of once-human jobs that have been largely replaced or supplemented by technology:

  1. Cashiers - Self-checkout machines and automated payment systems.
  2. Telephone Operators - Automated call routing and voice recognition systems.
  3. Travel Agents - Online booking platforms and travel apps.
  4. Bank Tellers - ATMs and online banking services.
  5. Data Entry Clerks - Optical character recognition (OCR) and automated data processing systems.
  6. Manufacturing Assembly Line Workers - Robots and automated assembly lines.
  7. Phone Survey Conductors - Automated survey and feedback systems.
  8. Postage Clerks - Automated mailing systems and online postage printing.
  9. Ticket Agents - Electronic ticket machines and online ticketing services.
  10. Lifeguards - Drone and sensor-based safety systems at some facilities.
  11. Farm Workers - Agricultural robots and automated machinery for planting and harvesting.
  12. Warehouse Workers - Robotics and automated inventory management systems.
  13. Sewing Machine Operators - Automated sewing machines and fashion technology.
  14. Quality Control Inspectors - Machine vision systems for product inspection.
  15. Telemarketers - Robocalls and automated marketing systems.
  16. Loggers - Automated logging machinery and drones for mapping forests.
  17. Medical Technicians - Automated laboratory testing equipment.
  18. Security Guards - Surveillance systems and robots for monitoring premises.
  19. Hostesses/Hosts - Reservation systems and kiosks at restaurants.
  20. Parking Attendants - Automated parking systems with smart technology.

This list captures a range of fields where technology has taken over once-human roles, improving efficiency and accuracy in various tasks. Sharing and discussing the implications of these changes can lead to interesting conversations about the future of work!