Over half of small business owners think they will employ robots by the year 2035

dailystar.co.uk:

More than half of small business owners believe they'll be employing ROBOTS by the year 2035.A study of 500 SME owners found four in ten think artificial intelligence will be used for tidying the workplace, carrying out hazardous tasks, and for entertainment reasons.As many as 43% believe robots will be stacking shelves and making products, and a further 41% believe they will replace customer services entirely.With energy prices on the rise, 41% also think they’ll be reliant on renewable sources to power this advancement in technology.However, three-quarters think it is hard to imagine what a workplace will look link in 13 years’ time, as it’s likely to be so different to the present day.Fflur Lawton, head of public affairs at Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research, said: “How businesses operate day to day is changing, and the advancement in Robotics and AI is an exciting prospect for many.“But upgrading our energy system is key to integrating more renewable power and achieving these possibilities.“Getting a smart meter installed on your business premises is a step in the right direction for Great Britain, and will help your business take control of its energy use.”Futurologist Ian Pearson claims people may be overestimating the importance of flexible working and underestimating the importance of robots and AI when it comes to the future of work.And he says certain industries are more likely to be impacted by robots and AI than others.Ian Pearson said: “A small accountancy firm could be entirely run by AI and there's no reason why, in theory, we couldn't have a robot hairdresser which does the perfect cut with measurements and laser beams.“But human contact and the emotional aspect that comes with certain jobs.