The world is witnessing rapid advancements in automation and robotics, raising growing concerns about the future of manual jobs, especially in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and transportation. Some traditional occupations have already begun to decline as smart machines increasingly take over tasks with greater efficiency and speed.<br /><br />However, the situation is more complex than it seems. Many manual jobs rely on human skills that are difficult for technology to replicate, such as precision craftsmanship, on-site maintenance, and direct interaction with customers — all of which still require a human touch.<br /><br />Moreover, many manual jobs are expected to evolve rather than vanish, with workers needing to acquire new skills related to operating, supervising, or maintaining advanced technologies like robots.<br /><br />At the same time, the expansion of automation may also create new job opportunities in emerging fields, including the design and maintenance of smart systems, or specialized services linked to digital transformation.<br /><br />Therefore, it is unlikely that manual jobs will disappear entirely within the next decade. Instead, their nature will be reshaped, making investment in training and continuous professional development essential to ensure that workers are not excluded from the evolving labor market.<br />Al-Mustaqbal University The first University in Iraq.<br /><br />