Robots, automation and new business models already play an important role in the workplace and

there is no doubt that technology has a strong impact on how we work.

At the same time, it is estimated that over 50% of jobs will be automated.

In 2050, robots and technology behind them will mean normal.

Of course, this also means creating new jobs.

The future of work will soon become “the survival of the most adaptable”, as new technologies
fundamentally change the way we work, the jobs that remain will be multifaceted and changeable.

Work

Job:

Medical Roboticist

Because in the future, sensitive medical operations will best be done by robots. Robot surgeries –
done by four-armed robots – are fast picking up speed in the medical world, with miniature surgical
instruments on three of these arms providing a maximum range of motion and precision. The fourth
arm even has a high definition 3D camera that can guide the surgeon through the procedure, making
sure that there is no chance of error.

A medical roboticist would need to have thorough knowledge of the human body, as well as a clear
understanding of how to operate high-tech machinery to complete their tasks.

Mind uploading sounds like pure science fiction. It’s hard enough to digitize analog books without
creating unwanted errors, so what hope is there for digitizing human selves?

While mind uploading is certainly mind-bogglingly complex, some scientists believe it’s possible. The
thinking goes like this: If our selves are encoded in the structure and activity patterns of our brains,
then as long as we can capture and catalog the nanostructure of a human brain (see: #9 Connectome
Architect) we can re-instantiate those same structure and activity patterns in another suitable
medium that is equal or superior to brainmeat. Like, say, a mainframe computer.

Mind uploading has been put forward as a possible future state for entire human civilizations. But it
could also be an effective way to “warehouse” human selves whose bodies were ravaged by disease,
while new bodies are being prepared for them.
Scientists around the world are making headway on bringing extinct species back to life, and while
there are many valid questions and concerns over the ethics of de-extinction, the process holds
promise for restoring and conserving threatened environments.

For instance, many varieties of elephant once roamed the earth and played an important part in the
health of the planet’s ecosystems. A renewed elephant (or mammoth!) population in the US could
trample dry earth in the vast desertified swaths of the American midwest, aiding human
reforestation efforts. One of the biggest unknowns surrounding de-extinction is how previously
extinct animals would fare in ecosystems that had, in a very real sense, left them behind. A de-
extinction zoologist could help manage a species’ reintegration to the wild, and assess any
unintended ecological impacts of the species’ introduction to the habitat.

Entertainment

Entertain:

It's difficult to even comprehend all the ways we might interact with robots by 2050. It's possible that
robots will be conducting routine surgeries or piloting our airplanes. They could be conducting search
and rescue missions or fighting in wars. One researcher even predicts that by 2050, we could be even
married with robots .

But when it comes to having fun either now or in 2050, you'd be hard pressed to find a better way to
spend a Saturday or Sunday than outside in the beautiful sun, enjoying a sporting event. What might
change by 2050, though, is who's playing. Roboticists predict that by 2050, they will have developed
autonomous robots that will be able to beat the best soccer players in the world [source: Peterson].
That's right, by 2050, we could see Robots vs. Humans in the contest for the World Cup. Now that
will fill some bars and basements!

Entertain: Your flat-screen television may represent the epitome of entertainment right now, but by
2050, it will seem hopelessly outdated. In 2050, we'll likely demand that our entertainment not be
contained by the screen -- we'll want to interact with it via virtual reality. Imagine playing a video
game about World War II: You and your friends will have the option of hopping off the couch and
storming the beaches of Normandy with everybody else. With this technology, your children will be
able to interact with their favorite fuzzy friends by inviting them into the living room to dance
around.

Entertainment won't be the only way we'll use virtual technology, however. Likely, we'll be able to
meet up with friends and family around the world thanks to hologram technology. Let's say you have
a business meeting with colleagues from New York, Seattle and Beijing -- all of you can meet up in
one office to discuss the matter at hand. Long-distance relationships will become a little more
manageable because of virtual visits, and all of your pals can show up to your destination wedding,
no matter where they live.

Holidays will be transformed. Space tourism is likely to be a reality – and developments in virtual
reality will enable you to take a short break from the comfort of your home.
The lines between entertainment and reality will blur. Put on a special suit and goggles be
transported virtually to your favourite concert. Or transport your favourite band, alive your dead, to
your home.