As robots come closer to matching human abilities, the Federal Government’s latest report on the future of the workforce has been released.

It says 44 per cent of Australian jobs are at risk of computerisation and automation.

The report – Tomorrow's Digitally Enabled Workforce – was put together by the CSIRO and the Australian Computer Society.

Employment Minister Michaela Cash says Australians should not fear the robot uprising, and workers must “embrace the change”.

“We can either be dumped off our surfboards into the sea by future waves of innovation, or we can aim to catch the crest of each wave and surf it into an exciting and prosperous future,” Senator Cash said.

The report found the future workforce would have an enormous demand for people with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) knowledge, but the supply is not there yet.

CSIRO says the study identified six ‘megatrends’ for jobs and employment markets in the next twenty years.

1. The second half of the chessboard

The explosion in device connectivity, data volumes and computing speed, combined with rapid advances in automated systems and artificial intelligence means that robotic devices can perform many tasks more quickly, safely and efficiently than humans.

2. Porous boundaries

Digital technology and the new world of ‘platform economics’ is changing employment markets and organisational structures. Jobs of the future are likely to be more flexible, agile, networked and connected.

3. The era of the entrepreneur

The ideal job within a large organisation may not be awaiting an increasing number of future job seekers. This means individuals will need to create their own job. This will require entrepreneurial skills and aptitudes.

4. Divergent demographics

Along with many other advanced and emerging economies, Australia’s population is ageing with growing life expectancies. Retirement ages are likely to push back further and an organisation’s employee profile is likely to contain more diverse age groups and more diverse cultural backgrounds.

5. The rising bar

Increased use of automated systems is raising the complexity of tasks and requiring higher skill levels for entry-level positions. Income growth in Asia is associated with increased educational and skills levels, as well as growing competition for Australia’s labour force. Many low skilled jobs are being offshored or automated. The consequence is the likelihood of a raised skills and education bar for entry into many professions and occupations.

6. Tangible intangibles

Employment growth in the service industries, in particular education and healthcare, has driven job creation in recent times. This is likely to continue into the future as we move to a knowledge economy. Service sector jobs requiring social interaction skills and emotional intelligence will become increasingly important.

Have a look at Boston Dynamics’ latest human replacement below;