This week, Arizona 360 presents and encore of our episode exploring automation’s impact on industry and jobs in Arizona. Our coverage included hearing from University of Arizona Eller College of Management economist George Hammond about a study that estimated the number of jobs in Tucson at risk of automation. Lorraine Rivera also visited facilities belonging to TuSimple in Tucson and Waymo in Chandler, both of which are testing autonomous vehicles in the state. Beyond Arizona’s roadways and in its agricultural fields, Rivera also saw what role automation has in modern-day farming at the Maricopa Agricultural Center, where researchers with the UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are finding ways to advance what’s known as precision agriculture. The development of automated technology also touched off a discussion with UA engineering professor Larry Head about the potential for cyberattacks.
The issue of artificial intelligence and automation picks up at an event happening on Jan. 10 at the University of Arizona Student Union Ballroom. The Future of Work: How to Thrive in the Automated Workplace brings together local industry leaders and educators to discuss what’s being called the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Arizona Public Media is a sponsor. You can learn more about the event and get tickets here.
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