At Savantech, with nearly two decades of experience providing solutions to automate equipment and business processes, we've seen first-hand the transformative impact of automation on the workplace. Our experience underscores the invaluable role automation plays in streamlining operations, freeing human operators from repetitive tasks and enabling them to take on more complex and fulfilling responsibilities.

Recent reports, such as one from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), shed light on the changing landscape of work due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The statistics are sobering: 11%of work roles in the UK are at risk of automation, potentially leading to the displacement of 1.5 million jobs, particularly in routine cognitive and organisational roles. The implications are significant, particularly for back-office, entry-level and part-time roles, where medium- and low-paid workers are particularly vulnerable.

Amid these challenges, however, lies an opportunity for synergy. Whilst the prospect of AI replacing jobs is daunting, the IPPR report highlights that proactive intervention can shape a more optimistic trajectory. By harnessing our collective expertise in automation and taking a strategic approach to integrating AI into workflows, we can not only mitigate job losses, but also unlock significant economic benefits. 

Indeed, the potential is for AI to enhance rather than replace jobs. By adapting to AI technologies, at-risk roles can contribute significantly to GDP, potentially to the tune of £92 billion a year, with even greater gains in a more AI-centric future. What's more, fostering a symbiotic relationship between humans and AI can lead to higher wages for employees and alleviate labour shortages in critical sectors. 

The crux of this story lies in effective adaptation. As experts argue, AI can be a catalyst for positive change in the labour market, provided we prioritise the development of workforce skills and invest in training and reskilling initiatives. By bridging our experience of automation with emerging trends in AI, we can navigate the evolving digital landscape with confidence, ensuring a future where human potential flourishes alongside technological progress.

Read more about it here.

It was heartening to read in Semiconductor Today that the future of the troubled Nexperia waferfab in Newport has been secured, with the government finally approving its sale to Vishay Semiconductor for $177m. The site has been a long-standing employer in the region, from its initial days in the 1980s as Inmos (I'm old enough to remember that far back!) right up to its acquisition in 2021 by Nexperia, only for HMG to step in and block the deal. Vishay have announced plans to invest $1.2m in the site over the next three years, which is music to the ears of the employees of both the fab itself and all of the other companies involved in its supply chain. Great news; read more about it here.

E&T has reported on another escalation in the ongoing semiconductor technology "war" between the west and China: the Dutch government has partially revoked ASML's licence to export lithography machines to China. ASML's bleeding edge EUV steppers were already subject to export restrictions into China, and this new licence revocation for NXT series lithography tools can only be seen as a further tightening of the US and EU's position. Read the article here.

It just so happens that I'm currently reading the excellent book "Chip War - The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology", by Chris Miller. It's a great read - highly recommended.

After being hyped as "the next big thing" in semiconductors for a decade and more, it looks as if a significant step forward has been made towards realising graphene's potential - at least, in regards to its potential to replace silicon and smash through many of the limitations looming for the latter material. Researchers have been able to grow graphene on the surface of silicon carbide wafers. Graphene as a semiconductor could open up much faster computing, and could handle much greater currents than silicon can without breaking down. Critically, current semiconductor manufacturing techniques can be used to create graphene-based semiconductors, so the transition away from silicon could be much less challenging than feared. Read more here.