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Jobs for Robots: Between Robocalypse and Robotopia
Jason Schenker is the world's leading financial futurist and a columnist for Bloomberg. In this book he shares a groundbreaking vision of the tremendous opportunities - and significant threats - presented by robots and automation technology. Jobs for Robots puts the debate about robots and automation in a uniquely constructed context that draws on Mr. Schenker's knowledge of economics, history, and future technology. And this book presents actionable insights for readers to robot-proof their lives and careers. Jobs for Robots includes compelling discussions about the future of work, roboadvising, FinTech, and universal basic income. The way forward is fraught with challenges, and we must bridge critical gaps between the present and the future to fully reap the benefits of tomorrow. In November 2017, an expanded second edition of Jobs for Robots was published. Jobs for Robots was excerpted by Bloomberg News in a Bloomberg View article in March 2016:
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 1, 2017
This was a very eye opening book from a futurist. It was a new term for me and I was interested in his ability to see future trends and outcomes. Schenker laid out a very compelling and thought provoking book about how people fear what they don't really understand. With robots potentially taking on a George Jetson type of environment or the bigger fear of the Terminator scenario. He presented the complexity of robots with a detached style. He neither caused fears or exacerbated them.
I found his writing style entertaining and his conclusions to be calming. I liked hearing his credentials, they made me trust his vision of the robot and man work place as a more dual purpose event rather than an aggressive and combative work situation. There was so much to gain from reading this. I have recommended this book to my son and sons in law. They all three work in a man and robot environment. When they describe the robots at their work they are benevolent and noon offending. This is the case for most work place robots of the future.
I found the book to be very detailed in the respect of how men and women feel about the threat perceived or real of robots taking their jobs. With careful analysis, he covers this deftly in his book. I recommend this to anyone else that works with robots or in an industry that would benefit from a robotic labor force.
I found his writing style entertaining and his conclusions to be calming. I liked hearing his credentials, they made me trust his vision of the robot and man work place as a more dual purpose event rather than an aggressive and combative work situation. There was so much to gain from reading this. I have recommended this book to my son and sons in law. They all three work in a man and robot environment. When they describe the robots at their work they are benevolent and noon offending. This is the case for most work place robots of the future.
I found the book to be very detailed in the respect of how men and women feel about the threat perceived or real of robots taking their jobs. With careful analysis, he covers this deftly in his book. I recommend this to anyone else that works with robots or in an industry that would benefit from a robotic labor force.
February 16, 2018
I had never thought about the future with robots, to be honest, I am kind of naive when it comes to futurist ideas. This was a new concept and term for me. I was very interested in learning more and this eye-opening book gave me some ideas about robots, the fears people have, and what a future could look like with them here.
If you think about how far artificial intelligence is coming, this kind of book is warranted. Technology is moving and changing so quickly that all sorts of jobs that were once done by humans are now down with automation and actual robots now doing the job.
The Author Schenker has a writing style that is entertaining and informative. He created very compelling arguments that opened my eyes to why people fear a future with robots, more so how they fear the unknown. He was very calming and not at all antagonistic. I enjoyed reading about his vision of how robots and we can work together. I enjoyed learning more about robots in general.
If you think about how far artificial intelligence is coming, this kind of book is warranted. Technology is moving and changing so quickly that all sorts of jobs that were once done by humans are now down with automation and actual robots now doing the job.
The Author Schenker has a writing style that is entertaining and informative. He created very compelling arguments that opened my eyes to why people fear a future with robots, more so how they fear the unknown. He was very calming and not at all antagonistic. I enjoyed reading about his vision of how robots and we can work together. I enjoyed learning more about robots in general.
September 23, 2017
I was attracted to this book because Schenker has a good reputation as a futurist, but also because I have written science fiction stories in which robots play a big part in such economies. There are two extreme outcomes of robots/androids: utopia or apocalypse. Schenker thinks the future will lie somewhere in between, and as might be expected, he focuses mainly on economics. He points out that wherever it is more efficient to get a machine to do it, the machine will do it. I was particularly taken by his example of a machine kiosk that sells cupcakes. Yes, there will be jobs disappear, but more will appear. As an example, my name is Miller, but have no experience at milling flour. When I began work, the place I worked had a big typing pool. They do not exist now. However, there is a problem here that he avoids: he correctly notes future jobs will need more education, but what about those who fail, for whatever reason?
He argues there is no utopia; people will still have to work, and his case is convincing. He also argues against the apocalypse, but with less certainty. Interestingly, he notes two issues that more or less match one part of my fictional causes of future disaster: government debt, in which I include his separate unfunded entitlements. He makes a strong case against UBI, and I think he is right. However, he avoids the issue of inequality, wherein the owners of machines are in a far better position than those who service them. He also avoids to some extent the problem of androids/machines acting against humanity's best interests. I argue in my fiction that there are two very simple things we can do to avoid catastrophe. Finally, he avoids physical/economic constraints, such as climate change and resource shortages.
To summarise, the book is well written, it has cogent arguments, but in my view not complete ones. Is he right? Who knows? We shall have to wait and see, but this certainly gives you some ideas of what could happen. It is well worth reading because if you think something is missing, the way he argues shows you how to insert your concern.
He argues there is no utopia; people will still have to work, and his case is convincing. He also argues against the apocalypse, but with less certainty. Interestingly, he notes two issues that more or less match one part of my fictional causes of future disaster: government debt, in which I include his separate unfunded entitlements. He makes a strong case against UBI, and I think he is right. However, he avoids the issue of inequality, wherein the owners of machines are in a far better position than those who service them. He also avoids to some extent the problem of androids/machines acting against humanity's best interests. I argue in my fiction that there are two very simple things we can do to avoid catastrophe. Finally, he avoids physical/economic constraints, such as climate change and resource shortages.
To summarise, the book is well written, it has cogent arguments, but in my view not complete ones. Is he right? Who knows? We shall have to wait and see, but this certainly gives you some ideas of what could happen. It is well worth reading because if you think something is missing, the way he argues shows you how to insert your concern.
September 6, 2017
Jobs for Robots: Between Robocalypse and Robotopia is a novel written by Mr. Jason Schneker. The first thing that got me into wanting to read this book is its title and its front page. I know that we should not judge the book by its covers. However, I think that when it comes to this novel we can bypass that rule.
From where should I start? Okay, I will try to say everything that I wanted to say by starting from the beginning. First, the title of the book suggests that the book will be about the influence of technology and robotics on us humans and on our world. If we look at the world as it is now, we will see that not only that in the past five to ten years, the technology has improved drastically, but we will also see that there is more and more need for robots. Jobs that were previously done by humans are now more and more done by robots. We could even say that the robots are slowly “taking over’’ the world (well not maybe like in Terminator movies, but then…who knows what may happen in ten to twenty years from now). The author wanted to steer our attention to that. He wanted to use this book and his previous knowledge to show us something like a warning sign so that we are aware of what could happen in the near future. The book is divided into several chapters and each chapter is divided into several smaller segments for easier understanding, which I think it is great. Overall, Mr. Schneker did an excellent job with his book. Sometimes there are times when we need a wake-up call and a reminder and I believe that this book is precisely that. Awesome work.
From where should I start? Okay, I will try to say everything that I wanted to say by starting from the beginning. First, the title of the book suggests that the book will be about the influence of technology and robotics on us humans and on our world. If we look at the world as it is now, we will see that not only that in the past five to ten years, the technology has improved drastically, but we will also see that there is more and more need for robots. Jobs that were previously done by humans are now more and more done by robots. We could even say that the robots are slowly “taking over’’ the world (well not maybe like in Terminator movies, but then…who knows what may happen in ten to twenty years from now). The author wanted to steer our attention to that. He wanted to use this book and his previous knowledge to show us something like a warning sign so that we are aware of what could happen in the near future. The book is divided into several chapters and each chapter is divided into several smaller segments for easier understanding, which I think it is great. Overall, Mr. Schneker did an excellent job with his book. Sometimes there are times when we need a wake-up call and a reminder and I believe that this book is precisely that. Awesome work.
December 13, 2017
Jobs for Robots: Between Robocalyse and Robotopia details how the economy has changed from the industrial revolution through its new movements into the age of robots and automation. Schenker uses his vast experience and education to present a balanced view on where our economy stands now and how automating industries will impact it into the future. While some who debate this topic are of the opinion that robots will destroy the workforce and us with it and others take the exact opposite oppinion, Schenker seems to walk the middle of the road. In this book he outlines both the advantages and disasvantages of automation and makes some good suggestions about how to remain employed through the inevitable growing pains that will come with the shift. The book is well written, well researched, and informative. My one complaint is that the beginning of the book was a little slow getting to what the title indicated the book would be about. That said, Schenker did a good job of letting the reader know when he would be addressing certain questions. I would recommend this books to readers who want to know more about our economy from the past and into the future.
I gave this book a 4 star rating because it was well written and well researched but a little slow getting through the historical aspects of the economy. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about present day and found his theories about automation informative but am not personally as interested in the historical aspects.
I gave this book a 4 star rating because it was well written and well researched but a little slow getting through the historical aspects of the economy. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about present day and found his theories about automation informative but am not personally as interested in the historical aspects.
September 13, 2017
I loved that this novel (that read like a non-fiction book) didn't go the route of 'robots will eventually override us and we'll be driven underground to survive them' the way Terminator and iRobot predict. That's a common theme when it comes to artificial intelligence so it was refreshing to see the viewpoint of this author. I have a hard time placing this into fiction/non-fiction because it is more of an advice column while still not being full of only true facts simply because if it hasn't happened, it can't be a fact. Jason Schenker provides a realistic, futuristic view of the role robots currently fill and will in the future will occupy. This book is encouraging in the way the author highlights the the positives for robots/artificial intelligence and tells the reader that this isn't 'new technology', this has been evolving since the 1800's. We must stop oversimplifying and jumping to the worst possible conclusion because the truth is, WE, at least right now, are in control of the technology. It does what we ask it to do and so many of us benefit from it, we must maintain the level of control that we currently enjoy while still allowing for further advancement. A sort of common sense approach to the robotics industry combined with straight up advice about growing with this technology without being swallowed up by it.
December 26, 2017
Wow this novel was so interesting! This is so well-written and thought out. This story is told by Jason Schenker, Who has a wonderful way with words that made the story flow so well. I just could not put it down. I was so engrossed in the debate of technology and its effect on us.
This book caught my eye because of the thought of robots taking all the jobs. The sheer impact robots have in our daily lives is growing by leaps and bounds. When I was younger and the computers were just coming into the world, I never thought that so many years later that a huge part of the world's population would carry access to the Internet in their pocket. Heck I am sure most of us never thought about driverless cars or factories that could be run without human hands doing the jobs. If we keep progressing at this rate, those of us with jobs that are repetitive and don't require a high level of skill to complete are soon going to find ourselves unemployed. In a since it is giving our jobs to robots. You need to read this book I believe everyone would benefit from reading it.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too
This book caught my eye because of the thought of robots taking all the jobs. The sheer impact robots have in our daily lives is growing by leaps and bounds. When I was younger and the computers were just coming into the world, I never thought that so many years later that a huge part of the world's population would carry access to the Internet in their pocket. Heck I am sure most of us never thought about driverless cars or factories that could be run without human hands doing the jobs. If we keep progressing at this rate, those of us with jobs that are repetitive and don't require a high level of skill to complete are soon going to find ourselves unemployed. In a since it is giving our jobs to robots. You need to read this book I believe everyone would benefit from reading it.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too
September 12, 2017
Jobs for Robots is a book of advice that can best be described as a healthy counterbalance to two seemingly extreme camps within the topic of automation and robotics. Jobs for Robots seeks to temper the hopes of those who believe robotics will bring about an endless golden age, calm the fears of those who fear a Judgement Day, and provide practical predictions of how certain industries may change in the coming years.
Jobs for Robots pulls on multiple sources of information to justify its predictions, including data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the research of leading economists. This largely leads to understandable and logical observations of trends and projections of future trends, though there are moments when the argument presented is weakened. A handful of sections about rather complex topics are boiled down in such a way as to be somewhat unfairly simplified.
All things considered, Jobs for Robots is a book that will be most helpful to those who are afraid that the jobs of their industry will disappear in favor of automation, as it provides helpful long term career advice that seems to be well backed by statistics.
Jobs for Robots pulls on multiple sources of information to justify its predictions, including data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the research of leading economists. This largely leads to understandable and logical observations of trends and projections of future trends, though there are moments when the argument presented is weakened. A handful of sections about rather complex topics are boiled down in such a way as to be somewhat unfairly simplified.
All things considered, Jobs for Robots is a book that will be most helpful to those who are afraid that the jobs of their industry will disappear in favor of automation, as it provides helpful long term career advice that seems to be well backed by statistics.
September 14, 2017
Between the title and the front cover I was a little bit confused what this book was about until I read the description. I know, I know...don’t judge a book by its cover. But I thought it could have been a children’s book at first. Fortunately, after reading the description I was pleasantly surprised because I find the subject so interesting.
I knew a little bit about the subject beforehand, like the express checkout lanes and general use of robots in factory. But the use of robots expands over more fields then we may have realized. The future is unsure and we cannot ignore the issues because it won’t affect us. Is the use of robots a benefit or a something that could be harmful to our society? It is a very difficult subject because of how much is so unknown.
I thought he brought up some interesting arguments. Some I disagreed with and some I felt were really insightful. Overall, I think what we can all probably agree on is how complex “Jobs for Robots” really is. Oversimplification can be harmful in making sure we do not properly prepare our society to make the necessary adjustments in making our lives better.
I knew a little bit about the subject beforehand, like the express checkout lanes and general use of robots in factory. But the use of robots expands over more fields then we may have realized. The future is unsure and we cannot ignore the issues because it won’t affect us. Is the use of robots a benefit or a something that could be harmful to our society? It is a very difficult subject because of how much is so unknown.
I thought he brought up some interesting arguments. Some I disagreed with and some I felt were really insightful. Overall, I think what we can all probably agree on is how complex “Jobs for Robots” really is. Oversimplification can be harmful in making sure we do not properly prepare our society to make the necessary adjustments in making our lives better.
October 10, 2017
Jobs for Robots by Jason Schenker presents the current discussion on robots taking over our jobs. Many argue that robots will take over jobs that humans deem unfitting for themselves. However, robots can continue working longer hours without breaks like us, humans. Thus, employers will look deeper into hiring robots versus humans. But then, there are still areas in which even the most advance technology cannot replace a human. Examples are editing software. They can catch what they have been programmed to catch, but still editing should be done by a human editor. The writer argues both sides of this robot debate. Yet, he still hasn't made me feel any more confident about the future job loss ahead. Jason Schenker presents interesting facts but doesn't fully go into further detail. Yes, we know technology can be both good and bad. In this book, I haven't read something, that I didn't already know about this current issue. The writer's idea of where our future will head proved to be very bleak.
August 25, 2017
Jobs for Robots: Between Robocalypse and Robotopia by Jason Schenker is a fascinating look at the implications that may arise with advances in technology. As the author of several best selling books, and a self-described futurist, Schenker is well qualified to write on this subject. Somewhere between a doomsday scenario where robots perform all the functions of labor, to a more pragmatic version where robots actually aid and assist, Schenker finds a happy medium. There is much to absorb in this book from highly interesting data showing the decline of certain industries, and the jobs within those industries, to learning about the background of common names like Smith, Miller, and Weaver, the author makes history and learning about the advances of the industrial revolution accessible and even entertaining. This is a must read for anyone interested in economies, technology, the workforce and labor, and econometrics. Lucid and clearly written, this book is strongly recommended.
September 1, 2017
Whether we like it or not, robots are making a big impact in our modern world. Jobs for Robots: Between Robocalypse and Robotopia by Jason Schenker is written to help us understand more behind what this impact can and will do. Are robots good or bad? Will they really end up overtaking the future? Schenker investigates these ideas in an intriguing way.
While it is a business book it doesn’t read like one. It’s easy to understand and very intriguing. It’s not just a bunch of numbers and facts, but rather a well-written story that helps the reader to learn more about this situation. As you read through it you’ll occasionally find graphs and pictures to help see the evidence behind what Schenker is stating.
The novel is only 170 pages long. It’s a great book for those who are interested in technology and business. However, even if you’re not interested in these topics, you’ll still enjoy this book. It’s intriguing and easy to read.
While it is a business book it doesn’t read like one. It’s easy to understand and very intriguing. It’s not just a bunch of numbers and facts, but rather a well-written story that helps the reader to learn more about this situation. As you read through it you’ll occasionally find graphs and pictures to help see the evidence behind what Schenker is stating.
The novel is only 170 pages long. It’s a great book for those who are interested in technology and business. However, even if you’re not interested in these topics, you’ll still enjoy this book. It’s intriguing and easy to read.
September 5, 2017
A look at robots and AI and how it will affect the future
This is an informative debate on the robots and AI of the future and What it means to society as a whole. Jason Schenker has a very creative writing style and will make you think about the future and the possibilities that exist now and will exist even more in the years to come. The book discusses how robots have become more common place in the work environment along with robots that have become more precise and efficient than the men and women who used to do the same job. This makes you think about the future and just where everything fits together. Robots and AI make life easier but can just as easily take away from the men and women who also work in those same fields. Good book with a lot of great information.
This is an informative debate on the robots and AI of the future and What it means to society as a whole. Jason Schenker has a very creative writing style and will make you think about the future and the possibilities that exist now and will exist even more in the years to come. The book discusses how robots have become more common place in the work environment along with robots that have become more precise and efficient than the men and women who used to do the same job. This makes you think about the future and just where everything fits together. Robots and AI make life easier but can just as easily take away from the men and women who also work in those same fields. Good book with a lot of great information.
August 31, 2017
Jason Schenker, a proclaimed futurist, discusses the how robotics are changing our lives. Some of what Schenker calls robots I would just classify as just technology. But the point is robots have become more efficient at some jobs than humans, a few examples would be millers and smiths. We benefit from their proficiency but Schenker pointed out these robots could be working us out of our jobs.
This starts the discussion about how we are beginning a robocalypse and we are not having enough jobs for the humans to provide for themselves. Or are we enter a robotopia, where our lives are a heaven on earth because everything will be easier. A lot of research was put into this book and the author is careful to keep it comprehensive for the common reader.
This starts the discussion about how we are beginning a robocalypse and we are not having enough jobs for the humans to provide for themselves. Or are we enter a robotopia, where our lives are a heaven on earth because everything will be easier. A lot of research was put into this book and the author is careful to keep it comprehensive for the common reader.
September 5, 2017
An interesting and informative read
I wasn't sure I'd like this book but I kind of interested in what people really think of robots and the inevitable take over. This book presents science based information backed by. Harts and graphs. They discuss everything from robots not being able to add that personal touch to a service to income and faxes and how they'd be affected as well as self driving cars and cupcake dispensing ATMs of the future! I have to admit that it was a very thought provoking and interesting book, I never would have thought of even half the stuff that was brought up! Well done on bringing new things to light and making me think deeper into what the world will be like when it's ran by robots!
I wasn't sure I'd like this book but I kind of interested in what people really think of robots and the inevitable take over. This book presents science based information backed by. Harts and graphs. They discuss everything from robots not being able to add that personal touch to a service to income and faxes and how they'd be affected as well as self driving cars and cupcake dispensing ATMs of the future! I have to admit that it was a very thought provoking and interesting book, I never would have thought of even half the stuff that was brought up! Well done on bringing new things to light and making me think deeper into what the world will be like when it's ran by robots!
September 18, 2017
Jobs for Robots is a thought provoking read. Whether you believe in a future with robotic co-workers or not, my take away is this: historically as humans we have caused ourselves unnecessary turmoil due to fear of what we don't understand. Reading a book like Jobs for Robots written by someone as knowledgeable on the subject as Jason Schenker can only be good for us. There is no harm in learning the views of others and considering possibilities and outcomes we may not have otherwise come up with on our own.
The tone of the book is that of "don't be afraid" which is helpful for those who may not necessarily agree wholeheartedly. A fast read whether you are techy or not. Worth keeping on your bookshelf to re-read twenty years from now.
The tone of the book is that of "don't be afraid" which is helpful for those who may not necessarily agree wholeheartedly. A fast read whether you are techy or not. Worth keeping on your bookshelf to re-read twenty years from now.
October 19, 2017
I thought it was an interesting story. At times, it felt as if there were a bit too much personal stories to support the argument. While it is important to have personal stories to strengthen the argument, it felt it was going on and on. However, I do have to say the last chapter was great. Technology is growing fast, and the only thing we can do is be prepared and fight back if needed. While computers and robots may end up doing nearly everything, you still need people to check if it's correct, to make sure it's correct, and to add any emotional, support, etc. humans can only offer. We still need education to maintain technology's fast growth, and that education can mean anything - B.A., Masters, Ph.D.s, and certificates. It was a good book.
August 30, 2017
Jobs for Robots is written about the possibilities of what and could happen should robots become more of a presence in our workforce and in our lives, especially with the continuing advances in technology. The book is interesting, and puts a unique spin on plain information so that it captures the reader's attention. Schenker seems highly qualified and knowledgeable about the material, data, possibilities, history and future. He is a self-proclaimed futurist which ma y better help the reader understand his viewpoint. Overall, it was insightful and left an impression with me.
December 23, 2017
Insightful, if a bit self-promoting. I believe his predictions for the future with automation are a bit optimistic; as someone who worked on self driving technology, I can say with certainty that, despite a passing remark by the author, it is at least 5 years away from being ready for widescale implementation. I found the discussion of UBI particularly interesting; especially in light of current entitlement obligations.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews