The advent of robots is inevitable, but it should not be a "vehicle" for increasing social and economic inequalities
By George Vlassopoulos *
The word robot is of Czech origin (robota means work, but also chores ..) Today it signifies autonomous machines that can make our lives easier and faster by following the instructions of a human or a properly programmed computer. Robots have already been developed in industries such as health, education, but also in public administration, especially (but not only) in countries advanced in terms of new and smart technologies. (eg USA, Germany, Japan, China).
In February 2017, the European Parliament dealt with a bill to introduce a modern institutional framework for the operation of robots with the provision of their legal status through electronic identity. Indeed, with a resolution of 16-2-2017, the EP addresses the European Commission institutionally, recognizing the need for civil law interventions such as the establishment of a code of conduct, the introduction of rules to prevent accidents from the operation of robots, the protection of intellectual property and personal data. European Robotics Organization. (www. europarl.eu). However, he did not prioritize the request for consideration of other aspects of the issue, such as the provision of taxation of natural or legal persons (companies) who use robots in business, as well as the regulation of social security issues related to the daily use of robots. It is recalled that the Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament had prepared a detailed report on the need to establish an integrated regulatory framework for the operation of robots and more broadly artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence-AI) with emphasis on ethical rules, especially in future practical applications. without driver.
It is therefore obvious that the legislator can not remain indifferent, because the relevant technological developments are rapid and are expected to catalytically reform the work environment and the wider business environment. Low- and medium-level jobs can be replaced by robots with the consequent risk of losing many jobs worldwide resulting in a negative job balance due to automation and a stressful and stressful work environment intensifying work. On the other hand, it is claimed that many new highly specialized jobs will be created to facilitate the operation of robots (see data from the International Robotics Federation, www. Ifr.org). But achieving a positive job balance presupposes a long-term comprehensive strategic plan for the smooth integration and operation of robots in the global labor market. This plan is linked to a holistic view of the issue, in order to take into account, in addition to the economic factor (profit-loss) and factors such as work, social, psychological, health.
It is no coincidence that even entrepreneurs from multinational IT companies have proposed taxing those who exploit robots to set up and fund a retraining fund for employees so that they can respond to new skills compatible with its extensive applications. artificial intelligence. In addition, it is proposed to provide a universal guaranteed income on a global scale. But the big question is to make it a global priority that robots will work in the service of humans and certainly not the other way around. A broad consultation of the social partners (employers 'and employees' representatives) with the relevant public services is then required to draw up a global development plan for the introduction and utilization of robots in terms of social justice and social innovation, so that the full benefits are and not to be the prerogative of the few. Of course, the correlation of socio-political forces is a catalyst in terms of the direction (conservative or progressive) of the basic choices and ways of applying the achievements of robotics in the economy and wider society as a whole. That is why the whole course will be difficult and uphill, since the development of artificial intelligence is also involved with strong economic interests, which must not oppose in practice the well-understood interest of society.
In other words, the arrival of robots is inevitable, but it should not be a "vehicle" for increasing social and economic inequalities. On the contrary, it is extremely timely to demand the use of the enormous potential of robotics for the benefit of every citizen with an emphasis on vulnerable social groups such as the disabled, single-parent families, large families, the long-term unemployed, the homeless, low-wage and low-income retirees. areas.
Such a great challenge can and must be the starting point for technological development with a positive social sign. Our country can respond in practice and in time to this challenge in order to strengthen the positive balance of jobs, due to automation in this case, contributing to the formation of an innovative development model focusing on people and their needs in both European and international framework (eg EU, International Labor Organization, international fora). In this way, the key effort of Greece to turn the brain drain of the crisis into a brain gain of development with a human face will be strengthened.
* George Vlassopoulos has a PhD in Law
Source: News247