Rise of the Robots (book)

Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future is a non-fiction book written by Martin Ford and published in 2015. The book explores the potential for technological advancements, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, to displace human labor across a wide range of industries. Ford argues that unlike previous waves of technological change, the current wave poses a unique threat due to its ability to automate cognitive tasks, which were previously considered immune to automation.

The book examines the historical impact of technology on employment and contends that the increasing sophistication of automation is leading to a "jobless future" where a significant portion of the workforce becomes structurally unemployed. It discusses various sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and white-collar jobs, illustrating how automation is already impacting employment and is likely to continue to do so at an accelerating pace.

Ford addresses potential solutions to the challenges posed by technological unemployment, including a universal basic income, increased investment in education and retraining programs, and policies designed to foster new industries and job creation. The book has been influential in shaping the public debate about the economic and social consequences of automation and has been widely discussed by economists, policymakers, and technology experts. It has been praised for its comprehensive analysis of the issue and its exploration of potential solutions.