Why are manual trades hard to automate?

Because they require human dexterity and adaptability to unpredictable environments, which robots or algorithms cannot easily replicate.

AI Won't Kill All Jobs: Trades and Physical Roles to Thrive

Q: Which jobs will thrive in the AI era?

Jobs requiring physical presence and direct interaction with the physical environment, such as plumbing, carpentry, and construction.

A new analysis argues that AI will not eliminate all jobs; instead, roles requiring physical presence, like trades and manual labor, are likely to thrive, reshaping the labor market.

June 13, 2026

2 min read

Source: Financial Post

Despite fears about AI's impact on employment, analyst Gwyn Morgan argues that jobs requiring physical presence, such as trades and manual labor, will be the most prosperous in the future.

Details

In an article published by Financial Post, Morgan notes that while science fiction paints scary scenarios, reality is different. Jobs that rely on physical presence and direct interaction with the physical environment—such as plumbing, carpentry, and construction—are difficult to fully automate with AI.

Context

This perspective comes amid rising concerns that AI could replace millions of office and routine jobs. However, Morgan believes demand for manual skills will increase, as robots or algorithms cannot replicate human dexterity in unpredictable environments.

What It Means for Investors

This analysis may prompt investors to reconsider sectors tied to manual trades, such as vocational training, hand tools, and home services, which could see sustainable growth amid technological transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, according to analyst Gwyn Morgan, jobs requiring physical presence like trades will thrive and not be negatively impacted.

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This article was rewritten in Wrqti's editorial style based on information from the original source above. Content is informational only — not investment advice.