Many Jobs Predicted to Disappear Soon, UGM Expert Speaks Out
The presence of AI and the development of automated robots have recently sparked concerns among workers. Many fear that jobs will be replaced by AI and robots, leading to waves of layoffs and worsening unemployment.
However, a different opinion was expressed by an expert from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Ardi Wiranata, a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at UGM’s Faculty of Engineering, stated that robots will not entirely eliminate the role of humans. The potential for this also depends on the field and industry.
He explained that robots require maintenance, repairs, and system corrections. As such, the role of humans remains necessary and is difficult to fully replace by machines.
“If there is still a lag, the response will not be as quick as humans, and decision-making cannot yet match our speed. Actually, robot production depends on the conditions and needs of the industry,” Ardi clarified, as quoted from UGM’s official website on Thursday (30/4/2026).
Technical risks in robots also still depend on the quality of sensors and programming. The main issue lies in the limitations of sensors.
Errors can be minimised with an optimal combination of sensors and addressing sensor limitations. Therefore, checking the sensors to be used in robots is still required.
“It depends on the sensors and the function of the programming. So, it needs to be checked first whether the sensors used are hazardous or not,” he stated.
Ardi also highlighted the low production costs already implemented in China. This can be achieved through mass production scales.
Large production volumes can reduce the cost per unit, thereby lowering overall expenses. All of this can still be done without sacrificing the main functions and technology.
“In China, technology is produced on a mass scale. With such mass production, it is likely to reduce production costs,” said Ardi.
List of Jobs at Risk of Being Replaced by Robots
Separately, several studies predict which human jobs will be replaced by robots. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 reveals that 92 million jobs, or 8% of total global jobs, will disappear by 2030.
Job losses are also identified in research by the McKinsey Global Institute, with the potential for 12 million workers in the United States (US) and Europe to vanish within five years due to automation.
Here are some jobs predicted to disappear by 2030 due to the presence of robots:
Postal service clerks
Bank tellers and related staff
Data input staff
Retail cashiers and ticket clerks
Administrative assistants and secretaries
Printing workers
Accounting and payroll staff
Stock recording clerks
Transport clerks and conductors
Door-to-door sales, newspaper sellers, and street vendors
Graphic designers
Insurance claims assessors
Legal officials
Legal secretaries
Telemarketers
Basic IT staff
Production line workers
Machine operators
Warehouse workers (picking & handling)
Insurance underwriters
Travel agents