Rhetorical Analysis Of The Robot Invasion

“The Robot Invasion” written by Charlie Gillis in an article which informs the reader of current uses and capabilities of robots as well as elaborating on the expectation of advancement of robotic technology in the future. Though the reader never learns of the author’s professional background or experience on the subject, he uses evidence provided by numerous scientists and professionals in the field to lend credibility to the article. Throughout the reading, the audience is presented the idea that while it is inevitable that robots will become commonplace in the future, there is adequate time to adjust education and skills to fit the needs of the future because of the current limitations of robots. Another point made is the thought that humans

are needed to work with the robots of the future, performing various tasks to keep them up to date and in working order. This information will create optimism for human job opportunities in the future for those who worry about a world in which they could become obsolete in the workplace. This issue at hand is relevant to the world today; not only are scientists tirelessly working to advance technology, robots have already made their way into everyday life and this is creating much optimism and hope for the future as well as stoking fears of those who believe that their livelihood is being threatened. Anyone may be affected by the anticipated changes which makes this article relevant to a wide audience. Whether the reader is in favor of robots in the workplace or opposed to the idea, the article effectively educates him or her further while using valid information. Though the author presents the feelings of positivity, the title chosen does not agree with the overall tone of his article; rather, it presents the subject in a more negative light by implying that robots are invading our lives rather than enhancing them. The average citizen may or may not feel as if robots have become a part of their everyday life, but the author pulls in those who may be unfamiliar with the subject by mentioning a household item that has become popular around the world which in turn could help him or her to feel more connected to the subject. This technique effectively allows the reader to feel as if they can relate to the subject as well as generates thoughts of whether robots are a threat to the livelihood of humans in the future or whether they are simply a tool used to make life and work easier.

The author effectively includes the audience by presenting information that most of a general audience can understand rather than using technical jargon that may have left one to feel isolated.

In addition to using language understood by many, the author introduces a significant figure who creates robots by explaining that he invented the Roomba, a household appliance that has become popular around the world. While the Roomba has become a household name, Robert Brooks is also responsible for creating a lesser known success, the first commercially available human like robot obtainable to companies by offering an affordable price point. Brooks is a credible source in the world of technology due to the success of his creations, so his opinions can have a greater impact on the population. The reader is led to view the idea of robots in the workplace in a positive light when Brooks points out the fact that when the PC was introduced, it did not eliminate the need for office workers, it simply changed the type of work that they are required to do. The Roomba and PC are valid examples of humans currently choosing to coexist with machines, but the article had the opportunity to resonate on a deeper level with the reader had it mentioned the fact that robots are responsible for many luxuries that relied on every day. Furthermore, while one may cringe at the thought of a robot in their home, he or she may fail to see that they already coexist with many and depend on them to help

complete daily chores. For example, dishwashers have become a common appliance in many homes, loads of dirty dishes are cleaned by the push of a button without a second thought as people delegate the mundane chore and move on to spend their time doing something more enjoyable or worthwhile. As robots become more plentiful, more positions will become available for people who have obtained the knowledge and skills necessary to program and dispatch them. In addition, as technology advances, the capabilities of robots will expand, creating a demand for designers capable of producing robots which utilize the latest technology. Rather than being fearful, it is continually expressed that people can remain relevant and marketable by embracing the future and obtaining necessary skills required to work with and alongside robots.

To alleviate existing fears of losing one’s livelihood to robots, the author offers explanations from experts which prove that the technology is not as advanced as it would need to be for robots to begin taking over occupations which currently belong to humans. Currently, many robots being used cannot adapt to the world around them in terms of unplanned obstacles being placed in their path. Those designed with the idea of completing specific tasks have proven to be more expensive than many companies can afford. An example includes the Kiva System, comprised of numerous robots completing certain jobs inside of a warehouse. While it has proven to increase productivity, it currently is only being used by large companies such as Best Buy due to the high cost. To put the value into perspective, the reader is informed that Amazon will purchase Kiva for $775 million. This fact proves that it is not logical to believe that many companies could afford to replace humans with a costly replacement such as Kiva. Though the information provided is useful, the article would gain strength by mentioning more ways that companies are currently utilizing robotic technology to benefit productivity or profits while still requiring people to work alongside the machines.

While most of the article exudes optimism and hope, predictions made by American futurist Thomas Frey derail the feeling of positivity.

Though his thoughts are like those of other in his field of study, they are presented with a negative connotation. Frey begins on a depressing note, stating that half of the occupations on Earth will fall to robots by the year 2030 as well as predicting certain occupations to be doomed such as farming and fishing. Moreover, after offering the idea of robots obliterating the workforce over the next ten years, he attempts to resurrect thoughts of hope by stating that it is not a “doom and gloom” scenario and expressing the belief that jobs will remain for humans if they adapt to the demands and ideals of the future. By including the thoughts of the futurist, the author loses a bit of credibility. On one hand, Frey is suggesting that the occupation of farming will fall to robots soon, however, the prediction is followed by the fact that a California company recently announced the plan to spend around $3.1 to develop a robot capable of simply weeding lettuce crops, which is only one small chore that farmers do

daily.

In conclusion, “The Robot Invasion” has both positive and negative qualities, but overall, informs the reader of recent as well as anticipated future advancements in robotic technology in a way that the average reader can understand and relate to. The author lends hope by explaining the limitations that exist and sharing his opinion which states that there is plenty of time for humans to adapt to the inevitable changes in the workforce that will occur. Various ideas presented by professionals in the field agree with the fact that while robots will in fact become more common with time, humans will still be needed to perform certain tasks to create or maintain them. Certain occupations could belong to robots in the future, but one can prepare themselves to fit the needs of the workforce of the future by focusing their education in the field of technology as well as obtaining the skills required to work with robots. Embracing the future and adapting to the transitions which will occur in the workplace will ensure the next generation of workers will be marketable to employers. While some believe that robots are taking opportunities away from humans as well as damning the future, the author reminds the reader that they can be created to do the jobs which humans have no interest in doing. Currently, humans are not fighting each other for the opportunity to be a pinsetter at a bowling alley or to be the first chosen to detect bombs; those tasks are delegated to machines without hesitation. The article effectively makes the reader think of current inventions which provide comfort and luxury to everyday life such as the Roomba. The future can prove less daunting when one stops to think of the benefits they currently enjoy by bringing the machines into their homes; for instance, using a dishwasher, washing machine or dryer allows a person the luxury of using their time on something that they find most valuable. In a world without robots, modern conveniences that the population has come to expect such as self-checkout lines in grocery stores and ATM machines simply would not exist. Whether the reader began the article in favor of or opposed to the idea of robots in the workplace, the author ends not by forcibly stating his opinion on the matter. Rather, he presents thought provoking ideas which leaves the reader to draw their own conclusion on the subject.