How Robots Change the World: What automation really means for jobs and productivity

The robotics revolution is rapidly accelerating as technological advances transform what robots can do, and their ability to take over human tasks. The number of industrial robots in use tripled over the past two decades. It is set to multiply nearly 10-fold to 20m by 2030. Robot use in services is also accelerating, boosted by AI. Productivity and growth will be boosted, but up to 20m manufacturing jobs are set to be lost by 2030. Negative effects hit lower skilled workers and poorer regions hardest, aggravating social and economic stresses, and posing daunting policy challenges.