Automation
With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and automation, the nature of work is changing at an unprecedented pace. This Praxis Lab explored the societal implications of automation, from the replacement of cashiers with digital kiosks to the predicted obsolescence of entire professions in the coming decades.
Students examined the complexities of automation across various industries, considering both the technological possibilities and the social desirability of these changes. Through interdisciplinary discussions and hands-on research, they investigated local automation trends in the Salt Lake Valley—tackling topics such as adaptive transportation systems, user experiences with smart technology, and the effects of automation on workforce skills.
By critically assessing automation’s impact on our communities, this lab encouraged students to envision a future where technology is human-centered, ethical, and beneficial for society as a whole.
Instructors:
Frank Drews, PhD
W. Pratt Rogers, PhD
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