Is AI really a job killer? These experts say no
Intelligent technology will take over some jobs, but that will free up workers to do more challenging and important work
Despite what you may hear about intelligent technology replacing jobs, technology experts Thomas Davenport and Steven Miller argue that AI is not a job destroyer. While they expect AI and intelligent technology to replace some jobs, they believe that will free workers up for more challenging and important work.
Davenport and Miller recently authored the book, Working with AI: Real Stories of Human-Machine Collaboration. In this video, they share their predictions with Bernard Marr about how AI will fit in with the workplaces of the future.
Augmenting humans in the workplace
Morgan Stanley’s wealth management unit is using machine learning to make customized investment predictions, similar to Netflix’s predictive technology. They say wealth managers using the system are not only more productive, but also have more satisfied clients.
A machine shop is using mixed reality smart glasses and augmented reality to train operators on how to use machinery. “This is a wonderful example of how new technology actually makes it easier for new entrants to come into a job,” Miller says.
Impacting the future of the workplace
“People will need to embrace digital and intelligent technologies if they’re going to be successful in their jobs. I worked with a radiologist in the Boston area who also has a Ph.D. in AI. And he kept saying, ‘The only radiologists who are gonna lose their jobs to AI are those who refuse to work with AI.’”
Davenport and Miller were quick to mention that “embracing digital and intelligent technologies” doesn’t mean everyone has to understand every technical component. People simply need to understand how to use the tools and how AI can help them perform their work.
The authors found that oftentimes, AI can take the first shot at solving a problem, but companies often need a human to pull it all together, revise it, review it, and potentially override the AI’s answers. Davenport also predicted that AI is unlikely to be able to compete with humans in contextual understanding anytime soon.
Companies must be ready
As jobs get augmented and transformed, they encourage companies to create thoughtful strategies about where the technology is going, and the types of skills and capabilities needed.
Understanding what work will be done by digital workers, what needs to be done by human beings, and how the two will relate will be the key to maintaining a competitive edge in the marketplace of the future.