A new report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) has found that automation in the next generation could transform the shape of the Australian workforce.

The tide of technological change can't be resisted, but should be seen as a boon for the economy, it is argued.

Robots looking after the washing

Robots and automation could eventually replace everything from some nursing and surgical jobs to meal preparation, driving and washing elderly patients.

In some parts of rural and regional Australia more than 60% of jobs could be lost, said CEDA Chief Executive Professor Stephen Martin.

"The pace of technological advancement in the last 20 years has been unprecedented and that pace is likely to continue for the next 20 years," he said.

Robots might even support lonely people

A more radical suggestion proffered in the report is the idea that robots could "offer support for lonely people".

If that seems hard to believe, just 10 years ago no-one thought there would be a car that drove itself.

Google has now designed such a car, which has driven around California without any accidents - except when a human driving another car rear-ended the robotic vehicle.