In the midst of global technological development, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the production model of all walks of life with its disruptive power, especially in the manufacturing industry. Huawei's founder Ren Zhengfei's forward-looking remarks that "society will eventually move towards artificial intelligence, and if you don't work hard, you won't even have a chance to be a worker" not only reveals the inevitability of this trend, but also conveys a sense of urgency to the public, that is, in the era of intelligence, individuals and society must actively adapt and improve themselves, otherwise they will face the risk of being marginalized!
In recent years, the deep integration of artificial intelligence technology and industrial automation systems is promoting the intelligent upgrading of global factories at an unprecedented speed. According to data released by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the number of industrial robots in the world is expected to reach about 4 million units by 2027, an increase of nearly 50% compared to about 2.7 million units in 2020. This reflects the continued enthusiasm for investing in automation equipment to improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize quality control through the introduction of technologies such as robotics, AI algorithms, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
In the field of automobile manufacturing, Tesla's "gigafactory" is a model for the application of artificial intelligence. Its highly automated production line uses a large number of robots for assembly, welding, painting and other work, which makes the production efficiency of the Model 3 model significantly improved, and the labor hours required per vehicle are much lower than those of traditional automakers. In addition, traditional car companies such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz are also actively promoting "digital production" to realize the whole chain of intelligence from design to manufacturing.
Electronics manufacturing is also at the forefront of this change. Taking Huawei as an example, its production line has achieved a high degree of automation, Ren Zhengfei once mentioned, "It takes more than 20 seconds to produce a mobile phone, and in the future, our production lines of hundreds or thousands will be fully automated." "This shift is not only reflected in large multinational enterprises, but also small and medium-sized manufacturers are gradually introducing AI-assisted quality inspection systems and automated warehousing and logistics facilities to enhance their competitiveness.
Ren's warning is not alarmist. With the continuous improvement of factory intelligence, some traditional labor-intensive jobs are facing the risk of being replaced. A study by the University of Oxford predicts that by 2030, up to 47% of jobs in the United States are likely to be replaced by automation, especially in manufacturing. In China, a report by the Chinese Academy of Sciences noted that about 26% of occupations could be strongly impacted by AI technology, including a large number of manufacturing workers.
However, AI is not all negative. On the one hand, automation frees up manpower and frees workers from repetitive, high-intensity and even dangerous tasks to more innovative and value-added tasks. On the other hand, the construction and operation of smart factories require a workforce with new skills, including AI engineers, data analysts, robot operation and maintenance personnel, etc., and these emerging occupations provide workers with opportunities for transformation and upgrading.
In the face of AI-driven social transformation, Ren Zhengfei's words contain a kind of vigilance and encouragement: individuals should take the initiative to embrace change and constantly improve themselves to adapt to the new employment environment. For workers, it is necessary to actively participate in training courses to learn skills related to smart manufacturing, such as programming, data analysis, machine operation and maintenance, etc., to improve their "digital literacy". Establish the concept of lifelong learning, pay close attention to industry trends and technological developments, and continuously update the knowledge structure to ensure that vocational skills keep pace with market demand.
Develop interdisciplinary knowledge and competencies to combine traditional manufacturing skills with emerging technologies, such as AI to optimize production processes and remote monitoring of equipment with the help of IoT technology. Encourage aspirants to seize the opportunity of industrial transformation brought about by artificial intelligence, devote themselves to entrepreneurial and innovative activities, and develop new products and services that adapt to the intelligent era. The government and society also need to take action to help workers smoothly transition to the intelligent era by formulating relevant policies, optimizing the allocation of educational resources, and promoting the integration of industry and education. At the same time, it is necessary to establish and improve the social security system to provide necessary support and protection for workers who have lost their jobs or changed jobs due to technological progress.
In conclusion, Ren Zhengfei's warning reveals the far-reaching impact of AI on the manufacturing industry and the entire socio-economic structure. Anecdotal data on AI-powered replacement of workers in factories around the world strongly confirms the reality and urgency of this trend. In the face of this historic change, only by actively responding to and actively seeking change can we find a new positioning and development path in the AI-driven social transformation, and avoid becoming a group that "does not even have the opportunity to be a worker".