Technology ‘key to future’
Robots are not coming to get your job but they may take over the boring bits of it for you, an expert says.
‘‘We try to get people excited about technology, which is really important if you want to compete in the new economy,’’ Tane Hunter, co-founder of Future Crunch, told a gathering of business and community leaders and students in Ha¯ wera on Thursday.
Future Crunch is part of a global movement of scientists, artists, technologists and entrepreneurs that believe science and technology are creating a world that is more peaceful, transparent and abundant.
Hunter, from Melbourne, is a cancer researcher, bioinformatician and science communicator who spoke about how to start building a workplace that is prepared for automation, disruption and changing work patterns.
Smaller communities could thrive in the new era technology was bringing, but people needed to embrace it, he said. ‘‘In smaller communities technology can be a saviour for those that can adjust. If you don’t change, you’ll like irrelevance even less.’’
He said people should welcome, not fear, robots and technology that used artificial intelligence.
Human traits would remain in demand as skills were superseded by technology.
‘‘Contrary to people’s beliefs that technical skills are the most important, that’s not true. We have that set of stem skills sympathy, empathy, the ability to collaborate, to understand and respect other people’s views even when they differ from your own - that will lead to success.
‘‘I think it’s a fallacy that there will be fewer jobs, but it will change the nature of work, that’s why it’s important to engage so you’re able to prepare.’’
Part of Hunter’s role was in spreading good news - including that polio had nearly been eradicated, several formerly endangered species including pandas had been taken off the endangered list, the number of wars worldwide was reducing, as was the level of dire poverty.
‘‘We’re closer to world peace now than at any other time in human history.’’
But due to evolution, human brains were more tuned into negatives than positives, something fuelled by the media’s emphasis on bad and frightening news, he said. The media axiom ‘If it bleeds, it leads’ was not just a saying, it was a biological fact that had allowed humans to prosper.
However, what was needed now was engaged and intelligent optimism. ‘‘The world is often much better than you think.’’
About 65 people, including students from Ha¯wera High and Pa¯tea Area Schools went to hear Hunter, whose visit was organised by the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, the South Taranaki District Council, Bizlink and Argyle Performance Workwear.
He also spoke at a meeting in Stratford on Thursday evening.