How New Technologies Enable The Human Machine Economy

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Nov 29, 2025, 7:59 PM

how new technologies enable the human machine economy

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Work in the future will be a partnership between people, agents, and robots—all powered by artificial intelligence. While much of the current public debate revolves around whether AI will lead to sweeping job losses, our focus is on how it will change the very building blocks of work—the skills that underpin... Our research suggests that although people may be shifted out of some work activities, many of their skills will remain essential. They will also be central in guiding and collaborating with AI, a change that is already redefining many roles across the economy. In this research, we use “agents” and “robots” as broad, practical terms to describe all machines that can automate nonphysical and physical work, respectively. Many different technologies perform these functions, some based on AI and others not, with the boundaries between them fluid and changing.

Using the terms in this expansive way lets us analyze how automation reshapes work overall.1Our analysis considers a broader range of automation technologies than the narrow definition of agents commonly used in the AI... For more on how we define the term, see the Glossary. This report builds on McKinsey’s long-running research on automation and the future of work. Earlier studies examined individual activities, while this analysis also looks at how AI will transform entire workflows and what this means for skills. New forms of collaboration are emerging, creating skill partnerships between people and AI that raise demand for complementary human capabilities. Although the analysis focuses on the United States, many of the patterns it reveals—and their implications for employers, workers, and leaders—apply broadly to other advanced economies.

We find that currently demonstrated technologies could, in theory, automate activities accounting for about 57 percent of US work hours today.2Our analysis focuses exclusively on paid productive hours in the US workforce, encompassing full-time... We assess only the share of time awake that is spent on work-related activities, totaling roughly 45 percent of waking hours. Our analysis excludes time spent on unpaid tasks and leisure, but agents and robots could be used in related activities to support productivity and personal well-being. This estimate reflects the technical potential for change in what people do, not a forecast of job losses. As these technologies take on more complex sequences of tasks, people will remain vital to make them work effectively and do what machines cannot. Our assessment reflects today’s capabilities, which will continue to evolve, and adoption may take decades.

Christine Boles, Vice President Network and Edge Group, General Manager Federal & Industrial Solutions at Intel Corporation. Integrating robotics, automation and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in the rapidly evolving global manufacturing landscape represents a profound shift toward smarter, safer and more innovative production methodologies. This transformation is not just about incremental improvements but a complete overhaul of traditional manufacturing paradigms, where collaboration between humans and machines can create unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and growth. The concept of human-machine collaboration has evolved beyond simple task automation to encompass a deeper, more integrated interaction. Cobots are now equipped with sophisticated sensors and control systems, allowing them to perform complex manufacturing tasks such as precision welding, detailed painting and intricate assembly. These machines can significantly increase throughput and consistency while minimizing human exposure to hazardous conditions, enhancing production efficiency and elevating workplace safety standards.

A good example from Allied Market Research demonstrates the significant impact of articulated industrial robots in the automotive industry, which improve manufacturing precision and safety, and their adaptability allows for swift changes in production... The advancement of HMIs is pivotal in this collaborative environment. Modern HMIs incorporate various interactive technologies, including voice recognition, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), transforming how human workers engage with robotic systems. These interfaces provide intuitive, user-friendly means for workers to manage and monitor automated processes, reducing the learning curve and helping staff command complex machinery easily and precisely. Explore new research on how AI is reshaping roles, skills, and org design, and learn what leaders need to build a more adaptable, human-centric workforce. Enter your details and unlock all of our content

AI is reshaping work at a scale few leaders have experienced. Inside the Human-Machine Economy: A 2026 Report offers a clear view into how enterprises are redesigning jobs, redeploying talent, and rethinking the relationship between humans and AI agents. With insights from 170+ C-suite leaders, 115 HR leaders, and 200 early-career employees, it highlights the gaps holding organizations back ... and the opportunities ahead for those who act with clarity. Download the report to understand the new shape of work – and how to prepare your organization for it. AI, robotics, brain computer interface and longevity breakthroughs are creating a workforce that can think faster, move stronger and operate longer than any human alone.

My new piece, an article of the new EY Megatrends series, examines how these technologies are reshaping workforce strategy- and why organizations must prepare for a world where human - machine hybrids set pace. #EY, #humanmachine #futureofwork #exoskeletons Thanks for sharing Bea - packed full of insights. The human-machine economy is a true MEGA trend. So relevant to my emerging govt initiative! You're on a roll, Beatriz :)

We’re living in a time where technology is reshaping work faster than we can keep track of. From artificial intelligence to robotics, automation is becoming an integral part of how businesses operate. It’s not about machines taking over; rather, it’s about achieving the right harmony between human input and technological progress. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in Europe, the USA, and Latin America and how organizations can stay competitive by keeping this balance in check. AI is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business reality. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, 99% of surveyed organizations in the tech industry identified AI as a key trend driving transformation (p.

81). Machine learning, big data, and automation aren’t just limited to tech companies anymore—they’re being applied across every industry you can imagine, from healthcare to manufacturing. What does this mean for businesses? A growing reliance on technology to handle repetitive tasks, data analysis, and even decision-making. By 2030, tasks completed predominantly by technology are expected to jump to 34%, while human-machine collaboration is projected to make up 41% of all tasks (p. 84).

In other words, while machines will do more, humans will continue to play a crucial role in guiding, supervising, and enhancing the output of these automated processes. In Europe, technology adoption is being heavily driven by environmental goals. The push for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainability has turned green tech into a booming industry. Companies are adopting innovations in: Around 37% of organizations in Europe are actively investing in technologies that reduce carbon emissions (p. 65).

This isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about staying competitive in a market that’s increasingly prioritizing sustainability. A not-for-profit organization, IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.© Copyright 2025 IEEE - All rights reserved. Use of this web site signifies your agreement to the terms and conditions. In order to remain the engine of prosperity, industry must take the lead in digital and green transitions. This approach provides a vision of industry that goes beyond efficiency and productivity as the sole objectives […]. It places worker well-being at the center of the production process and uses new technologies to ensure prosperity beyond jobs and economic growth while respecting the planet's production limits.

Much more than a technological evolution, Industry 5.0 is a philosophy that recognizes the crucial importance of human interaction in the industrial landscape. After Industry 4.0, which is focused on machine automation and connectivity, version 5.0 acts as a complement, taking it to the next level. Its aim? To restore balance by harmoniously integrating humans into manufacturing production and to create an unprecedented symbiosis between individuals and machines. This new era is redefining the boundaries of the manufacturing industry, emphasizing close collaboration between people and technological advances. In this article, we take a closer look at the principles of Industry 5.0, its key technologies, and how they are combined with human skills to improve working conditions and optimize manufacturing processes.

Download a PDF version of this article for easy offline reading and sharing with colleagues. Over the past decade, the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, has represented a fundamental step forward, introducing innovative concepts (advanced industrial automation, big data analytics, cloud computing, cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things,... But it also raised concerns about man's place in this automated ecosystem. Faced with this, the Fifth Industrial Revolution presents itself not as an alternative paradigm but as a proactive response, refocusing attention on the added value of man within these smart systems.

How New Technologies Enable The Human Machine Economy

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Christine Boles, Vice President Network And Edge Group, General Manager