MAY 2018 | MANE AUTOMOTIVE, F1 & MOTORSPORT | 7
Artificial intelligence is nothing new. Machines have been replacing human workers at a gradual rate ever since the Industrial Revolution. To put it simply, AI is the theory and development of computer systems which are able to perform tasks that human’s normally would including speech, decision-making and visual perception. Opinion over artificial intelligence is very split, with many fearing that it will leave many people out of work in the future.
There’s no doubt that artificial intelligence will change the face of employment as we know it, but it could be more positive than some believe. PwC said about seven million existing jobs could be displaced by AI from 2017-2037, but about 7.2 million will be created, giving the UK a small boost of around 200,000 jobs. However, where this change will create 200,000 new jobs, some sectors will not benefit as much as others. It is predicted that manufacturing jobs could fall by 25%, transport and storage by 22% and public administration by 18%. However, on a more positive note - jobs in health are set to increase by 22%, scientific and technical services by 16% and education by 6%.
These are just predicted stats. We will not know for sure what impact artificial intelligence is going to have long-term until it actually happens. All we do know is that artificial intelligence will impact the future of work and the need for human labour. There will be ‘winners and losers by industry sector’ with many jobs likely to change. While some new jobs will be created at the start, many people are concerned that there may not be enough jobs to go round, particularly when the cost of the machines falls over time and their capabilities increase.
AI systems will boost productivity, reduce costs and improve the quality and range of products that companies can produce. However, machines may be great at processing mathematical problems and organising spreadsheets, but what they struggle with is reacting quickly in unfamiliar situations, forming human connections and providing empathy. This results in jobs such as teaching being safe from the AI revolution as artificial intelligence is not yet smart enough to be able to teach social and emotional skills or even just manage the classroom environment.
Artificial intelligence is definitely going to eliminate certain jobs, but is said to create just as many if not more roles in certain sectors. It will spur the growth of many new jobs, including some entirely new job categories. The largest effect will be job transformation with humans finding themselves working side by side with robots. Artificial intelligence will replace humans, but it will also create new jobs. However, with many sectors being replaced by robots and machines, some people will benefit whereas others will most definitely suffer.
Will AI replace humans
or is it creating more jobs?
DECEMBER 2018 | MANE ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING | 7