The effects of industry 4.0 on labor force attributes and new challenges

Abstract

Unmanned factories became a topic of discussion after the concept of Industry 4.0 was first introduced in the Hannover Fair in 2001, and increasing the computerization level in business life and supporting the production processes with advanced technology were determined as targets. In this regard, artificial intelligence and increased automation are expected to create new kinds of jobs in the coming years; however, a significant problem is predicted considering that these changes will invalidate a high number of job types exist today. Thus, the workforce will face a severe unemployment threat. As a result of all of this, radical changes in the work methods, along with means of seeking employment, are now considered. The qualities of the work and the workforce are being transformed along with the organization methods of the production. While on the other hand, it becomes evident that education also has to adapt to this transformation. In this study, the issues the labor might have to face during this period will be discussed, along with what could be done to solve these problems.