ABSTRACT
Emerging technology that computerizes work promises to improve productivity and efficiency by automating tasks once done by humans. However, jobs that are most susceptible to automation have high concentrations of racial minorities. An interdisciplinary team of academics conducted a workshop to identify issues in employment created by the introduction of automation, with special attention paid to how different races are affected by automation. The workshop highlighted many unknowns with respect to the future of work and racial equity. At the same time, there are many opportunities for us to ensure that emerging technology does not result in further economic divisions between races. Researchers in the field of human systems engineering can play a pivotal role as the workforce transitions to a more automated future by applying their knowledge of human-machine interactions and individual differences to the design of emerging technology that promotes racial equity.
