Impacts of automation and robotization of industry in the Vysočina Region in 2019

The aim of this bachelor's thesis is to evaluate, based on data from a questionnaire survey, the effects that automation, robotization or the implementation of other elements of the "Industry 4.0" concept will generate on the labour market in the Vysočina Region. First, in the theoretical part of the thesis, this concept is introduced and placed in a historical context, and then the influence of technical changes on the labour market is explained. The practical part gives a comprehensive overview of the current and planned state of implementation of these elements in companies operating in the processing industry, and analyses the impacts that will arise from this implementation. The research shows that implementation is planned for 67.1% of companies, while the realization of this implementation will affect 10.2% of employees by the end of 2024. During next 5 years, 1.3% to 4.3% of the employees of the sample will be dismissed. However, most companies planning the implementation also expect the creation of new jobs, which is why Industry 4.0 will not affect the amount of hired labour for most companies. Employment in the manufacturing industry may decrease by a maximum of 1.75% compared to the initial state, however, given the situation on the labour market in the region and the expected demographic development, it can be stated that such a development would represent a certain relief of the labour market rather than a threat of technological unemployment. During this period, there will be changes in the structure of employment in the manufacturing industry, while the implementation will also affect the demand for the labour of companies in favour of more skilled work.