Are robots the key to reducing unemployment?

With the rise of robots, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), the employees of today are in panic mode about the state of their future career prospects. Will they have a job in 20 years' time… 10 years' time… or even next year? The spectre of an apocalyptic, dwindling future workforce is terrifying for most people, especially in Africa, which is traditionally manpower-centric. But, the reality is that these super-intelligent machines and robots might well be doing humankind a massive favour. "Machine learning will enable technology to replace the work of hands and the workplace of the future will probably include much more head-work," says Deseré Orrill, chairman of data-led marketing company Ole!Connect.