The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) originated from the idea of identifying objects through RFID technology and using networks for data exchange, enabling smart identification and management. As IoT technology continues to advance, its practical applications are expanding rapidly. In the coming years, people will increasingly recognize how IoT is transforming daily life.
Since 2017, IoT-driven intelligent manufacturing has given rise to a new economic model known as "no one +", creating a fresh trend in the market. As IoT technologies mature, the operational costs of unmanned systems are decreasing, while the range of applications is growing and user experiences are improving. This promising new economic model deserves careful attention and balanced consideration.
The Internet of Things has led to the emergence of a new economic model. Starting in 2017, companies like Amazon, Taobao, and Bingo have invested heavily in unmanned retail spaces. Within just a few months, many cities worldwide saw the rise of unmanned supermarkets and shops, creating a new trend in consumer behavior.
IoT-based intelligent manufacturing has fueled this "unmanned +" economy, which is now spreading across various service industries. Unmanned cinemas, hotels, and even delivery services have started to appear. Recently, Alibaba announced plans to open its first unmanned gas station in Hangzhou, sparking widespread interest and debate about the future of the unmanned economy.
However, it's not accurate to say that the unmanned economy will completely replace the sharing economy. These two models operate in different spaces and do not directly compete. The sharing economy mainly involves physical assets such as bikes, cars, and umbrellas, with revenue generated through rental fees. In contrast, the unmanned economy focuses on one-time service experiences supported by technology. While both reduce the need for human labor, they are complementary rather than conflicting.
It’s also important to note that the unmanned economy is still in its early stages, facing several technical challenges. Even if these are overcome, it won’t lead to mass unemployment in the service sector. Some customer needs cannot be fully met by machines, especially those requiring personal interaction or emotional engagement.
For example, unmanned stores, despite their high-tech features, still face issues like theft and inconvenient shopping experiences. Additionally, the high cost of implementing such systems limits their widespread adoption. To address this, Ant Financial introduced “Unattended†technology, allowing small businesses to operate without staff. This solution uses simpler technology and serves as a transitional step toward full automation.
Although there is a growing trend of "machine substitution" in manufacturing, this approach isn't suitable for all areas of the service industry. First, some consumers—especially older generations—are more comfortable with traditional human interactions. Second, for certain customers, the quality of service is measured not only by convenience but also by the human element involved. Emotional connection plays a significant role in their satisfaction.
Therefore, even if the unmanned model becomes dominant in the future, there will still be long-standing service sectors that rely on human resources. As IoT technology continues to evolve, the costs of unmanned operations will decrease, the range of applications will expand, and the overall consumer experience will improve. For this promising new economic model, we should maintain a balanced perspective—neither overhype nor ignore its potential.
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