Global workforces continually undergo change and advancement. Take the industrial revolution as an example, which revolutionized the manufacturing industry and changed the workforce. More recently, digitalization is changing jobs and workplaces.
It all started with computers and wireless networks, and now the internet of things is connecting devices and enabling greater automation than ever before. With the addition of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, global companies may soon discover a new workforce that does not require retirement plans, health insurance, training or time off.
“Approximately 35% of American jobs will be replaced by AI over the next two decades,” concluded a recent study from the University of Oxford. Careers in manufacturing, medicine, accounting, law and more may look different in the next decade.
What's more, according to a 2019 “AI at Work” study by research firm Oracle and Future Workplace, 65% of people trust robots more than their real managers.
However, AI can also give rise to new developments. Behind every intelligent software program is an engineer or computer programmer – which means a workforce will be needed to manage robots. Machines may be better and faster at problem solving and automating, but there is no replacing people with new ideas, communication and connecting with others.
To keep up with the changing dynamics, you may need a backup plan. Here are six top jobs that were once considered lucrative and may now be vulnerable to AI. Before you embark on a career, however, some changes may occur more slowly than others, and remember that all professions will still need that human touch on some level.
1. Surgeons. Remember the movie “ Passengers, ” where a critically ill patient underwent multiple surgeries in a robot-operated pod? This science fiction concept could become reality in the near future. Surgeons take years of study and practice to acquire a steady hand and perform life-saving or risky surgeries well.
Sometimes less than a millimeter of surgical error, such as in brain or spinal cord injuries, can lead to devastating effects and unwanted results.
Surgical robots, on the other hand, need less time to train, calibrate and perfect human surgeries. Not to mention, they will typically perform these tasks more quickly and without succumbing to human constraints such as stress, exhaustion, or emotion.
This means there is a high probability that many surgeries could, at least in part, be taken over by AI-enabled robots. Humans will have a role to play in this sector, but roles may change significantly.
2. Airline pilots. Currently, there's little buzz about robots taking over commercial flights, but think about it... driverless cars from global automakers like BMW, Tesla and others are already a reality. Could airlines be too far behind?
On a smaller scale, Chinese drone maker EHang plans to launch autonomous floating taxis that will carry a passenger up to a distance of 100 kilometers within a 30-minute range.
Additionally, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is already developing a system that will eliminate the need for co-pilots in cockpits, known as Aircrew Labor.
3. Astronauts. AI is rapidly making advances in transportation, including in space. NASA and Google have already deployed robots to the International Space Station. Over the past decade, NASA has also only used automated exploration vehicles on Mars.
Space robots offer a safer option, ensuring zero risk to humans during space travel. These machines can also travel longer distances without fatigue, stress or hazards from the elements. They can also take much greater risks.
However, AI can also help astronauts in space. In fact, NASA is working with the Translational Research Institute for Space Health or “TRISH” to develop innovative approaches to keeping humans healthy in space using biomedical research combined with artificial intelligence. AI would help monitor and track astronauts' health while in space.
4. Lawyers. Imagine a digital lawyer with a built-in encyclopedia of case law and statutes and the ability to perform detailed searches in no time. AI can easily bypass criminal and civil defenses while analyzing legal data to gain an advantage in court.
While lawyer jobs are unlikely to face major risks from these technologies in the near future, paralegals and investigative teams could face increased competition. Statistics show that law firms are already using AI to more efficiently perform due diligence and perform research and administrative tasks (such as billing hours).
5. Journalists. Did you know that most major publishers now publish stories about business, sports, politics and more with the help of a computer-based algorithm? These algorithms direct programs to analyze online data, capture the most popular searches and stories, and turn them into news or new articles.
Stories of war or natural disasters (say, even a flood, for example) can now be covered more safely with the help of drone journalism. This form of reporting is done with the help of an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone, rather than taking the risk of sending journalists to unsafe regions. Drones can also capture images that provide a visual for the news or storyline. In certain cases, locals can also be easily interviewed through “chatbots” that can communicate in multiple languages and recorded via drone for a journalist to report.
6. Accountants. Software analysis programs have a better ability to identify financial and economic patterns and perform trades in a faster and more efficient market. Simply put, AI programs can beat humans when it comes to accurate financial analysis, market predictions, and making smart stock and trading decisions.
With financial negotiations involving billions of dollars, it only makes sense to rely on the speed and efficiency of algorithms. Even when it comes to balancing the checkbook, AI may have an edge.
The sectors mentioned above are just some of those that are already being impacted by AI. There are several other notable professions that will see changes, thanks to digitalization and robotics, including construction, sales clerks, telemarketers, and drivers.
However, machines may become nearly perfect, but they will likely fail in terms of the imagination, creativity, compassion, and ability to understand others that humans are capable of. While the work of a surgeon or financial advisor may look different tomorrow than it did yesterday, it is important that people still pursue these areas to help direct and support optimal technical advancements.