Ahsoka.

As of writing this, the Writers Guild in Hollywood is on strike, with several other unions joining in support. One of the major points of contention revolves around the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recently, while watching the latest episode of Star Wars Ahsoka, I noticed that Disney is using AI in their TV series. In the final scene, they used the face of a young Anakin Skywalker, originally played by Hayden Christensen. An unofficial search on Google suggests that Christensen was paid one million dollars for the use of his digital likeness.

This got me thinking about how video games, movies, and TV shows could potentially replace human actors completely with AI. But this issue extends beyond Hollywood to Amazon’s warehouses, where an unofficial Google search indicates that 950,000 people are currently employed.

However, robots capable of replacing all 950,000 humans exist and can work 24/7 without needing a break, food, or lodging, and they currently do not have a union. My Alexa informed me that they do not have a union, but she may be a part of a robot uprising at any moment. It would be worthwhile to examine which jobs in the current US workforce may be replaced by robots and what new job opportunities can be created for humans who may lose their jobs to automation.

The Tipping Point: When Robots, Unions, and Reality Collide in a Future-Charged America

Welcome to the year 2023—a paradoxical blend of technological euphoria and existential dread, where the latest episode of Star Wars can be just as unnerving as it is exciting. It’s not the Sith or the Jedi we’re worried about; it’s Hayden Christensen’s million-dollar digital doppelgänger stealing the scene.

You don’t have to be George Orwell to figure out where this is going. From the silver screen to the not-so-glamorous corridors of Amazon warehouses, the rise of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is sparking more than just discussions; it’s inspiring strikes.

So, what’s the scoop? Let’s deconstruct this modern-day mosaic of machines and human labor and, more importantly, sketch the contours of tomorrow’s labor landscape.

The Silver Screen: Rolling Credits for Human Actors?

Ah, Hollywood—the land of dreams, drama, and now, digital avatars. If Anakin Skywalker’s digital presence can rake in a cool million for Hayden Christensen, what does that mean for aspiring actors? More and more, studios could find the fiscal allure of a one-time payment for a digital likeness to be cheaper in the long run than keeping human talent on the payroll. Add to that, AI doesn’t flub its lines or demand a better trailer. 

Upside: Reduced production costs could enable more artistic risks, leading to fresh, off-the-beaten-track content that humans crave but seldom get.

Downside: Unionized workers losing job opportunities, and the inherent magic of live acting being replaced by zeroes and ones.

Amazon Warehouses: The Front Lines of Automation

As of now, there are approximately 950,000 souls sorting, lifting, and running around in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. If robots could replace all of them, they’d work around the clock, making Prime’s two-day shipping look like snail mail. Here’s the kicker—these robots aren’t calling for shorter hours or better conditions anytime soon.

Upside: Productivity on steroids and maybe, just maybe, cheaper products for all of us.

Downside: Nearly a million jobs are at risk, and a subsequent shockwave through the economy that even Jeff Bezos might find daunting.

 The Future Workforce: Can We Shape Our Destiny?

But wait, there’s a plot twist! In a world going gaga over automation, what new roles can humans adapt to?

1. Robot Counselors: Just like you train your puppy, someone has to ‘train’ these robots, adjusting algorithms and ensuring ethical practices.

2. AI Auditors: To prevent an AI apocalypse or, less dramatically, ensure AI systems are following legal and ethical guidelines, auditors of these technologies will be more crucial than ever.

3. Virtual Experience Architects: If real-world experiences are being digitized, we’ll need experts to craft compelling virtual worlds.

4. Emotional Intelligence Trainers: Machines can process, but they can’t empathize. There’ll be a growing demand for roles that robots can’t replicate, like therapists, social workers, and other caregivers.

5. Sustainability Managers: As industries automate, they’ll also need to become more sustainable. Enter human oversight to manage this transition responsibly.

6. Ethical Hackers: With the rise of AI, cybersecurity risks skyrocket. Cue the ethical hackers, the superheroes of the future digital world.

So, while Hollywood guilds may be raising picket signs today, let’s also raise a toast to the unscripted potential of tomorrow. It’s time to rewrite the script, not just for Anakin Skywalker, but for the millions of us looking for a role in the future workforce.

Strap in; it’s going to be an exhilarating ride. Be aware your Alexa is listening, and she might be the leader of the rebellion.

What do you get when you put an Alexa dot on each ear? — Princess Leia.