Many have considered the social and political impacts of the currently rampaging COVID-19 virus, but few have evaluated the more implicit repercussions of the pandemic. One unconsidered, the underlying factor that develops in the madness that is the global economy, is the technology market with its latest developments in user interfaces and automated systems. Such systems are seen in a vast array of everyday life from food and drink delivery services to more industrial innovations such as the recent surge in 3D printing technology. While this sentence might seem obvious, the reality might be drastically different than what it seems.
For one, the rate of production technology, while unnoticed in continually developing amidst the current chaos, primarily in production technology. Recent innovations in 3-D printing and manufacturing technologies have all been forced to increase the productions of devices to quell the growth of the virus. The development of sustainable materials has also grown as seen with the inception of certain devices like the Paper Pulp Printer. Its durability and closed-loop system make it a perfect example of the state the manufacturing system is progressing towards. If kept unaddressed, this technology has the ability to displace hundreds of thousands of workers throughout the globe as firms more towards cheaper operation costs. This factor of costs combined with global approval of technology puts 3D printing on the fast track to taking over production lines in factories
Business Insider reported from Greg Morris who leads the GE team, “I actually see additives as producing situations where you have higher-skilled positions that companies need to fill, both on the technician level, and the engineering and design level”.
Consequently, Brian Krassenstein, founder of 3D Printing news site 3DPrint. Com states, “In fact, we have already seen this beginning to happen with Apple and Google. Sure, many of these jobs will be suited best for machines, but someone has to maintain these machines, manage the supply, and oversee production”
Regarding such statements, clearly demarcating the line between a human job and a machine job proves to be near impossible. One possible implication may be that workers will be able to specialize in certain facets of their job using this technology. But the question remains: can they be replaced?
Another important factor to consider when evaluating the growth of these technologies is their potential. The COVID-19 crisis has revealed to the world the scalable applications of this technology is prototyping and mass production. With the surge of Supply chain 4.0, it is more evident than ever of the profound impact this technology could have on the lives of thousands. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to be aware of the impact of certain technology and take necessary means to use it to the global advantage. It is important to keep in mind the population whose livelihood depends on certain production facilities in implementing this technology. While this technology is highly efficient and beneficial, the humane price tag it comes with may be hard to overlook.
Another profound impact of this technology is the societal shift that will accompany it; the rise of these technologies have the ability to centralize production along with the inventory. By doing so, these devices have the ability to displace the economy of cities and even countries. In the process, not just jobs, but entire industries will fall victim to the corporation-driven production that controls supply. Amidst all this speculation, we find not only possible avenues for this technology to run rampant if not kept in check but also the global influence this technology could pose for several industries
Thus, while evaluating these technologies and even the industries, maintaining awareness, but also honing in on the ability to adapt might prove useful to numerous individuals. One cannot predict the impact these devices may have, but our anticipation for their arrival might drive many sectors of society to find specializations that not only progress humanity as a whole but enable the arrival of modern technology without posing a great risk to the economies of the world.
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