AI/robotics and the poor

Abstract

Artificial intelligence and robotics (AI/R) have the potential to greatly change livelihoods. Information on how AI/R may affect the poor is scarce. This chapter aims to address this gap in research. A framework is established that depicts poverty and marginality conditions of health, education, public services, work, small businesses, including farming, as well as the voice and empowerment of the poor. This framework identifies points of entry of AI/R, and is complemented by a more detailed discussion of the way in which changes through AI/R in these areas may relate positively or negatively to the livelihood of the poor. Context will play an important role determining the AI/R consequences for the diverse populations in poverty and marginalized populations at risk. This chapter calls for empirical scenarios and modelling analyses to better understand the different components in the emerging technological and institutional AI/R innovations and to identify how they will shape the livelihoods of poor households and communities.