Report: Robots To Replace Five Million Workers By 2020

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A new report shows the greatest threat to workers may be the advancement of technology.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, robots are projected to take as many as five million jobs from humans by 2020 in 15 leading countries.

In just four years, the average office may be filled with less idle chatter and replaced by more mechanical sounds.

According to the report, some industries are in more danger than others.

"Advanced robots with enhanced senses, dexterity, and intelligence can be more practical than human labor in manufacturing, as well as in a growing number of service jobs, such as cleaning and maintenance. Moreover, it is now possible to create cars, trucks, aircrafts, and boats that are completely or partly autonomous, which could revolutionize transportation," the authors wrote.

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The report notes that people who perform administrative duties are the most vulnerable to being replaced by machines. As for the most negatively impacted industries, the report states that healthcare will be largely affected due to rise of telemedicine.

On the flip side, smart systems may make homes, factories and farms more efficient.

"3D printing, resource-efficient sustainable production and robotics are all seen as strong drivers of employment growth in the Architecture and Engineering job family, in light of a continued and fast-growing need for skilled technicians and specialists to create and manage advanced and automated production systems," the report stated.