May 27, 2016

Report: Robots, Other Advances Will Cost Humans 5.1 Million Jobs By 2020

Look out, umpires!

ARS Technica, January 18, 2016:
Are the robots coming to take our jobs? Advances in any tech that aids in automation always come with questions about the jobs they take versus the jobs they create, but the World Economic Forum warned in a report published on Monday that advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and other modern technologies are currently likely to lead to a net loss of 5.1 million jobs worldwide by the year 2020.
For example:
Tim Welke called the runner out.

That's right. He called him out.
NESN's Steve Lyons would tell you the runner deserved it.
Human element forever, yo!

1 comment:

FenFan said...

If you refer to the article from ARS Technica that I linked to the discussion from Wednesday regarding the use of technology to call balls and strikes, there was mention of the home plate umpire still being a necessity to call foul balls, plays at the plate, etc., which is similar to the responsibilities of the umpires at the other bases. If there is concern about job loss, I don't see why baseball cannot include outfield umpires during the regular season like they do during the post-season.

I really wish the naysayers would see replay, etc. for what it is: an aide to the crew in blue. Getting better than 99% of calls correct is good, but the opportunity to get closer to 100% of the calls correct is better, even if it means an extra minute to review the last play. That's less time spent than watching players and coaches get ejected because the umpires made the wrong call.