We introduce a novel dataset - Automation Risk Index (ARI) - measuring job exposure to AI and robotics in Japan at a detailed occupational and industry level. We also provide a first empirical analysis based on this metric, investigating how automation risk affects labour market outcomes. We find that greater innovative capital intensity (including ICT assets, AI, and robotics) negatively affects employment and wages. However, these effects are significantly weaker in industries with lower automation risk, especially for some specific labour segments (high-education, male, and young workers). Our results suggest that lower exposure to automation and skill complementarities with AI and robotics can protect workers by preserving their bargaining power.
AI and robot automation risk in Japan
Kyoji Fukao;Kenta Ikeuchi;Cristiano Perugini
;Fabrizio Pompei
2026
Abstract
We introduce a novel dataset - Automation Risk Index (ARI) - measuring job exposure to AI and robotics in Japan at a detailed occupational and industry level. We also provide a first empirical analysis based on this metric, investigating how automation risk affects labour market outcomes. We find that greater innovative capital intensity (including ICT assets, AI, and robotics) negatively affects employment and wages. However, these effects are significantly weaker in industries with lower automation risk, especially for some specific labour segments (high-education, male, and young workers). Our results suggest that lower exposure to automation and skill complementarities with AI and robotics can protect workers by preserving their bargaining power.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
