India among countries most worried about jobs being taken away by robots – CNBC TV18

As automation is reshaping industries globally, nations, especially India, are becoming concerned about its role in increasing economic inequality.

A recent survey from the Pew Research Center shows that a significant portion of the global population believes that robots and AI replacing human labor are contributing to economic inequality.

Among the countries surveyed, Brazil and Colombia top the list, with almost half of adults acknowledging automation as a major driver of inequality. India is one of the most affected countries, with 73% of people from lower social classes recognizing the risks.

As we move into 2025, automation, particularly in the form of AI, remains one of the biggest risks, according to Eurasia Group’s annual risk report. Despite the transformative potential of AI, the firm warns that regulations lag behind technological progress.

Marco Argenti, chief information officer at Goldman Sachs, highlighted the coming wave of AI integration into business, predicting that hybrid teams combining humans and AI will become common by 2025. While this may improve efficiency, it may also lead to job displacement, especially for low-skilled workers, which is a growing concern in India.

Amazon Inc., one of the largest global employers, is a prime example of the rapid pace at which automation is transforming industries. In 2024, the company deployed more than 750,000 robots working with its 1.5 million employees. While Amazon has continued to grow its robot workforce – up from 520,000 robots in 2022 and 200,000 in 2019 – it has also seen a reduction in its human workforce, cutting more than 100,000 employees since 2021.

For countries like India, the rapid expansion of AI presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The impact of AI on sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and customer service is undeniable, but without proper regulatory framework, it could worsen income inequality.

India’s huge workforce, many of which are in low-income jobs, is particularly vulnerable to the impact of automation. As AI technologies, including advanced robotics, begin to reshape industries, India will have to tackle the dual challenge of promoting innovation while simultaneously protecting its most vulnerable workers.

Experts predict a shift toward “expert AI” by 2025, with specialized AI systems for sectors such as health care, finance, and education. This may provide substantial benefits, but may also raise concerns about access and equity. In India, where education and skills shortages already exist, it will be important to ensure that workers are equipped to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

Also read: AI and HR in 2025: These are the five game-changing trends for the future of work