Experts divided on robot jobs threat

Automation is just as likely to create jobs as destroy them, according to a new business study.

Research among 1,500 information technology managers by telecoms giant BT found a third believed that automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will generate an increased demand for workers such as software engineers and programmers.

A similar number predicted that the technologies could lead to job losses, replacing work carried out by employees.

One in three of those polled are planning to invest in AI and automation over the next two years. Colm O’neill of BT said: “While some organisations clearly view disruptive technologies as a potential threat to the labour market, we believe the introduction of new automated technologies and business processes will play to the strengths of both the people and machines.”