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04/10/2017: Rise of the machines
Apr 10, 2017

04/10/2017: Rise of the machines

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We keep talking about the threat that globalization poses to American jobs. But much of the competition for jobs comes from inside our borders, with robots, artificial intelligence and algorithms increasingly entering the workforce. As part of a new series, we'll hear from Marketplace's David Brancaccio about his road trip across the Midwest in search of "robot-proof" jobs. Next, we'll look at the FDA's decision to allow the company 23andMe to sell home genetics tests for diseases, and then talk about some of the economic concessions China is planning to make to the U.S. following their meeting last week.

Segments From this episode

Robot-Proof Jobs 1: Jobs that are safe today

Apr 10, 2017
The first episode of a special three-part podcast series on automation and the economy.
A robot assembles parts to make engines at Nissan Motor Co. Ltd's Yokohama Plant on July 4 in Yokohama, Japan.
Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images

FDA clears 23andMe to sell genetics tests for diseases

Apr 10, 2017
Consumers can get information to help them determine if they are at risk of developing Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
Anne Wojcicki is co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, a company that makes home DNA testing kits.
Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Fast Company

Bank of England involved in Libor scandal, reports the BBC

Apr 10, 2017
The BBC has obtained a secret recording that links the bank to Libor rigging.
Carl Court/AFP/GettyImages

Meet 'Sesame Street’s' Julia: A muppet character who’s autistic

Apr 10, 2017
It’s part of an outreach and education program that Sesame Workshop has launched with researchers and autism advocates.
Front row, from left to right: Sesame Street characters Julia (a 4-year-old muppet with autism), Abby Cadabby and Elmo.
© 2017 Sesame Workshop. All rights reserved. Photo Credit: Zach Hyman

04/10/2017: Finding the perfect (robot) sidekick

Apr 10, 2017
As the first-quarter earnings season kicks off, MacroPolicy Perspectives founder Julia Coronado joins us to discuss the growing tension between consumer sentiment indicators and economic data on investing and hiring. Afterwards, we'll hear from Marketplace's David Brancaccio about his road trip as part of our new "Robot-Proof Jobs" series. On today's show, he's auditioning a potential sidekick: Pepper the robot, a humanoid that can read emotions and won't get tired of your questions. Afterwards, we'll look at "Sesame Street's" decision to introduce the character of Julia, a 4-year-old muppet on the autism spectrum.

Trump keeps talking about trade, but he should be talking robots

Apr 10, 2017
Automation may be killing our jobs faster than you think. What’s a human to do?
President-elect Donald Trump puts on a miner's hat while speaking during a rally on May 5, 2016 in Charleston, West Virginia. 

 
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

We keep talking about the threat that globalization poses to American jobs. But much of the competition for jobs comes from inside our borders, with robots, artificial intelligence and algorithms increasingly entering the workforce. As part of a new series, we’ll hear from Marketplace’s David Brancaccio about his road trip across the Midwest in search of “robot-proof” jobs. Next, we’ll look at the FDA’s decision to allow the company 23andMe to sell home genetics tests for diseases, and then talk about some of the economic concessions China is planning to make to the U.S. following their meeting last week.