Sylvia Erigbe, a scholar and Operations Leader at Amazon, has stressed that Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation should be designed to support human workers rather than replace them.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Erigbe explained that while machines excel in speed, precision, and data processing, they cannot replicate human creativity, empathy, and judgment.
“AI should not erase human roles but empower us to use them more effectively,” she said.
Her latest research, “Reshaping the Workforce: The Impact of AI, Automation, and Robotics on Labour Markets,”highlights the need for:
- Reskilling and upskilling workers for emerging industries
- Policy reforms to protect vulnerable groups
- Inclusive adoption strategies that encourage human-tech collaboration
- Safety nets for low-skilled and older workers
Erigbe emphasised that balancing investments between people and machines will create a more inclusive and innovative workforce. She noted that as companies make billion-dollar AI decisions, long-term workforce impacts must not be ignored.
“The workforce of tomorrow will be smarter and stronger if humans and machines are partners, not rivals,” she maintained.
Her perspective adds to the growing call for responsible AI adoption that strengthens human potential while preparing societies for the future of work.
