An essay exploring the 2017 documentary Will a Robot Steal My Job? and its implications for education, lifelong learning, and the future of work in an AI-driven world.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-06
The 2017 documentary Will a Robot Steal My Job?, presented by journalist Anne-Marie Tomchak, explores one of the most pressing questions of our time: how will artificial intelligence (AI) impact the world of work? Through engaging interviews with experts, real-life examples of automation, and thoughtful reflection, the film investigates the growing presence of AI in society and what that means for people's jobs, skills, and future prospects. While the documentary primarily focuses on the workplace, it also raises important implications for education and what the school of the future might look like in an increasingly automated world.
The documentary highlights how AI and robotics are no longer confined to science fiction. From self-driving cars and automated customer service agents to software that can write basic news reports, intelligent machines are already replacing human workers in some areas. Tomchak meets with a range of experts and professionals to understand the scope of this change. Among them is Martin Ford, the author of Rise of the Robots, who emphasizes that AI will not just replace repetitive, manual jobs, but also some white-collar professions such as accounting, law, and even journalism.
The film also addresses the fear and anxiety many people feel about automation. Historically, every industrial revolution has caused job losses in the short term, but also created new types of jobs in the long run. However, the pace of AI development is so rapid that it may be harder this time for workers to adapt. One of the film's key messages is that society must take these developments seriously and begin preparing now—especially through education and skills training.
One of the most compelling parts of the documentary is its nuanced view of how humans and machines might coexist in the future. Rather than presenting AI as a full-on replacement for human labor, Tomchak explores how humans and AI might work together. For instance, she visits companies where robots assist doctors in surgery or where AI helps with language translation, improving efficiency without eliminating the need for human input.
This complementarity leads to an important conclusion: the future of work may not be about competing with robots, but about learning to work alongside them. To do that, people will need to develop new skills—especially those that machines struggle to replicate, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking.
The rise of AI and automation presents a direct challenge to traditional education systems. If many of today's jobs are likely to be automated in the next 10 to 20 years, what should students be learning today? The documentary indirectly pushes us to rethink the purpose of education in the age of AI.
The school of the future will need to move beyond rote memorization and standardized testing. Instead, education should prioritize "21st-century skills" such as problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and adaptability. Creative subjects like art, music, and drama—often undervalued in the current system—may become more important as they develop uniquely human capacities that machines cannot easily replicate.
In addition, schools will likely incorporate more technology and coding into the curriculum. Understanding how AI works, even at a basic level, will be essential in a world where it plays a role in everything from healthcare to transportation. Digital literacy, ethics in technology, and data awareness will become core parts of general education.
AI can also change how we learn. Intelligent tutoring systems and adaptive learning platforms can adjust to individual students' needs in real time. For example, if a student is struggling with algebra but excelling in history, an AI-powered system can slow down the math content and accelerate the history lessons. This kind of personalized learning could help address learning gaps and reduce inequality.
Teachers in the future may spend less time delivering content and more time coaching, mentoring, and supporting students emotionally. This human element will be crucial, especially as students navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
As jobs continue to evolve, people will need to update their skills throughout their lives. The traditional model of education—school until you're 18 or 25, then a fixed career—will likely become outdated. Schools and universities will need to offer more flexible, modular learning opportunities that adults can access at any point. Online platforms, AI tutors, and micro-credentials could all play a role in supporting lifelong learning.
The ability to learn how to learn will become a key skill in itself. Students must be taught to be curious, self-motivated, and adaptable, because their future jobs might not even exist yet.
Will a Robot Steal My Job? also raises questions about the ethical implications of AI. Who will benefit from automation? Will wealth and power be concentrated in the hands of a few tech companies, while others are left behind? These are questions that educators must grapple with as well.
Schools will need to prepare students to think critically about technology, not just use it. This includes discussions about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the role of technology in society. Civic education will become more important, helping students become informed and responsible digital citizens.
While the documentary does not offer simple solutions, it sends a clear message: we must act now to prepare for an AI-driven future. Governments, schools, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play. The key is to be proactive, not reactive.
Education, in particular, has the potential to shape how society responds to these changes. By redesigning the school system to focus on human-centered skills, critical thinking, adaptability, and ethical awareness, we can ensure that future generations are equipped not just to survive, but to thrive in a world of intelligent machines.
Will a Robot Steal My Job? is more than just a documentary about technology—it is a wake-up call about the future of work, identity, and education. As AI continues to evolve, we face a choice: fear it, or prepare for it. The film suggests that through thoughtful education reform, we can build a society where humans and machines coexist productively. The school of the future must therefore be dynamic, inclusive, and focused on helping students unlock the skills that make them uniquely human.
In the end, it's not just about whether a robot will steal your job—it's about how we as a society will adapt, learn, and grow in response to the new realities AI brings.