At a recycling center, a clerk scans each bag's barcode and prints a receipt, decides how to handle a bag containing an unknown liquid, and explains disputed charges to upset customers. Which two tasks are easiest to automate?

A greenhouse worker records each sensor's temperature hourly, opens vents at a stated limit, chooses a disease response, and trains a new employee. Which pair can the greenhouse systems handle on their own?

A marina dispatcher logs each boat's arrival time, assigns an open slip using a numbered list, settles conflicts when two captains claim the same slip, and helps a passenger who is frightened by rough water. Which tasks fit automation best?

A museum archive assistant labels scanned photos with an ID number, files each image by date, investigates a date conflicting with its handwritten note, and helps a visitor interpret a photo. Which two are easiest to automate?

At a commercial laundry, an employee weighs each linen cart, routes carts to a washer based on color-coded tags, decides whether an unusual stain needs special treatment, and responds to a hotel manager's complaint. Which pair is most automatable?

A school meal office checks whether forms have all required fields, sends a standard reminder for incomplete forms, reviews unusual family circumstances, and answers questions about a disputed eligibility decision. Which pair is easiest to automate?

A plant nursery installs a conveyor that carries identical pots to a machine that labels them. The owner keeps the labeling staff. What does a labeler's day mostly become?

A ferry company uses software to issue standard boarding passes and verify ticket numbers. It keeps its ticket agents. What work most likely remains for the ticket agents?

A bakery adds a machine that portions the same mass of dough into trays. The bakery keeps its tray workers. What is most likely the workers' main new focus?

A utility company deploys drones to photograph power lines on scheduled routes. It keeps its line inspectors on staff. What does an inspector's work mostly become?

A distribution warehouse installs an automated sorter that reads codes and routes parcels to the correct chute. The agreement requires an employee to test sensors, calibrate the sorter, and replace worn parts. Which new role must the warehouse fill?

A city installs smart irrigation controllers that open valves from sensor readings and a schedule. City staff must inspect failed controllers, update schedules after construction, and diagnose sensor errors. Which role is newly required?

A theater uses an automated system to scan tickets and count entries. It already employs ushers and cashiers, but its agreement requires someone to monitor scanner errors, update settings, and replace failed scanners. Which new role must the theater fill?

A food warehouse installs robotic carts that move bins along fixed paths. The company adds a position responsible for checking route maps, reviewing error logs, and returning a stopped cart to service. Which job was created by the robotic cart system?

A student says, "When a business automates one repeated task, every worker in that job must disappear." Which response best evaluates the claim?

Banks installed ATMs that handled many routine cash withdrawals and deposits. Which statement best describes what happened to teller work in the following decade?

A clinic automates appointment reminders by sending the same message to patients with appointments the next day. A manager says, "Because reminders are automated, receptionists will do exactly the same work as before." What is the best evaluation?

Which task is easiest to automate?

A repair shop compares four tasks. Which task has the trait that makes automation most practical?

Which task is the best candidate for automation in a large mailroom?