Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA -
Automation has become more common in Northeast Pennsylvania and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of these technologies.
Area residents see more self-checkouts. They can order food from kiosks. Customers dining at Denny's restaurants in Wilkes-Barre and Dickson City are now greeted by robot servers that bring their pancakes, bacon and eggs. Many technologies perform tasks that humans used to do.
A new study from Commodity.com looks at the transition to automated work in the U.S. and it found that 46.8% of workers in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton metro area are at high risk of becoming automated.
John Augustine, president and CEO of regional economic development marketing agency Penn's Northeast, said there is no question the pandemic accelerated the push towards automation throughout all industries.
"Automation will force workers to reinvent themselves, to upgrade their skills and qualifications and open new opportunities with the goal that they will earn more," said John L. Augustine.
By Denise Allabaugh
Citizens Voice
570-821-2115
