The Fourth Revolution

Abstract

Technological breakthroughs are the reasons for industrial revolution to occur. However, it may take time to exert its effects on social and technological domains. Artificial intelligence is the branch of computer science which tries to replicate human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. It is acquiring increasing importance in industrial application, revolutionizing the entire industrial system enough to be referred as “Fourth Industrial Revolution.” This chapter describes the impacts of artificial intelligence on the economy and society at large. Specifically, it analyzes the enablers and barriers behind the automatization of the working force and how the digital transformation may entail opportunities and challenges for the current economic and working dynamics as well as for society in general.