Techonomy, US: Cognizant’s Head of Strategy, Cognizant Digital Business Explains Why The Bots Aren’t Taking Over

“Humans have been struggling against machines since they were invented. American folk hero John Henry trying valiantly to dig faster than a steam drill really is not that different from the story of cabdrivers striking against Uber,” writes Paul Roehrig. “What all of us need to realize, however, is that the winning play in a digital economy is not fighting against robots and artificial intelligence, but using our new tools to improve productivity.” Excerpts:

Quietly, but at a steady pace, white-collar knowledge work is being improved, accelerated, and enhanced by the new machines.

In spite of the shrill warnings of the doomsday prophets, the bots will not be taking over anytime soon. But what we need to do is enhance knowledge work with systems of intelligence.

Trying to win in the digital economy with industrial era tools is like churning your own butter. It may be fun—and get you hipster points—but it’s bad business.

A carpenter, doctor, musician, executive, or claims adjuster is only as good as her tools. If you want to stay relevant for the next 10 years, recognize that the tools of your trade are changing faster than any time in your life. Open your mind to the reality that technology is significantly extending productivity and profitability in ways that even a few years ago would have seemed far-fetched and implausible. Ten times more? One-tenth the cost? Why not?”

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