Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a buzzword; it’s rapidly
becoming a fundamental part of how industries operate. From streamlining
workflows to optimizing production, AI’s influence is growing faster than many
of us realize.
Automation is a much greater threat to some jobs than it is to others.
Comprehending the reasons behind this phenomenon can provide insight into the
prospects that various industries face.
1. Repetitive
and Rule-Based Tasks Are Prime Targets
According to a report from McKinsey Global Institute, 50% of current work
activities could be automated using AI technologies, especially in
industries that involve manual and administrative work.
Source:
https://en.wikiversity.org
2. Jobs
with Minimal Need for Emotional Intelligence
According to the World Economic Forum, jobs in sectors such as healthcare and education that require complex human interaction are among
those least likely to be replaced by machines. Jobs with fewer social and
emotional requirements, on the other hand, may see more automation.
3. Efficiency
and Cost-Effectiveness Drive Automation
This makes artificial intelligence (AI)-driven automation an alluring
substitute for human labor for businesses in industries where
cost-effectiveness is crucial. Self-checkout lanes and AI-driven inventory
control are already becoming more common in retail. The potential for AI to
reduce employment is particularly high in industries where reducing labour
costs significantly impacts profitability.
A study by Oxford University found that 47% of
jobs in the U.S. are at risk of being automated over the next two decades,
primarily due to the cost-saving advantages AI provides in low-skill,
repetitive jobs.
4. The Role
of Technology in Accelerating Job Displacement
The emergence of autonomous vehicles may pose a threat to jobs in
logistics, such as truck drivers. It’s important to understand that, in the big
picture, artificial intelligence (AI) may increase employment in some sectors
while likely decreasing it in others. Jobs require human judgment, empathy, and
inventiveness, however, skills that AI is still far from mastering will endure.
By 2030, several jobs may be automated due to AI’s rapid evolution,
which is changing industries. Let’s look at key roles that AI is expected to replace:
1. Data Entry Clerks
Data entry is a highly repetitive task which makes it an ideal candidate
for automation. AI-powered systems can process massive amounts of structured
data quickly and accurately, reducing the need for human clerks.
2.
Telemarketers
Artificial intelligence-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are
rapidly evolving to handle consumer inquiries, promotional offers, and even
cold calling.
3.
Receptionists
Hotel and corporate office environments are among those where automated
check-in systems are already becoming more common. AI-based systems are now
frequently faster and more efficient than humans at handling tasks like visitor
logging, appointment scheduling, and basic question answering.
4. Customer
Service Representatives
Among the industries where AI is having the biggest effects is customer
service. A growing number of customer service inquiries across industries are
being handled by chatbots and virtual assistants driven by AI.
5.
Bookkeeping Clerks
Accounting software powered by artificial
intelligence can already manage financial transactions, reconcile statements,
and prepare tax returns. Bookkeeping clerks are becoming less and less
necessary as these technologies develop. By 2030, it’s expected
that bookkeeping tasks will be fully automated, leaving little room
for human involvement.
6. Retail
Cashiers
Traditional retail cashiers have already begun to lose ground to
automated checkout systems, such as those found in Amazon’s cashier less
stores. By using sensors, cameras, and AI algorithms, these systems track
purchases and handle payments without requiring human intervention. This trend
is expected to accelerate, with many retailers planning to adopt similar
technologies to reduce labour costs.
7. Truck
and Taxi Drivers
Self-driving technology is making significant strides, with companies
like Tesla and Waymo leading the charge.
Autonomous vehicles are predicted to replace a large portion of the
trucking and taxi industry, especially for long-haul routes where human drivers
are more prone to fatigue. By 2030, self-driving trucks and taxis could eliminate millions
of driving jobs globally.
8. Proofreaders
AI tools like Grammarly and other language processing software are
becoming highly accurate at catching spelling, grammar, and even style errors.
These systems learn from vast datasets and improve over time, making the role
of human proofreaders increasingly redundant. It is expected that AI could
perform 90% of proofreading tasks by 2030. Even the writing tasks are
still being done in coordination with humans by using generative AI tools.
9.
Manufacturing Workers
AI and robotics powered by machine learning, can work
faster, more precisely, and around the clock without requiring breaks. This
trend is set to continue, with an expected 30% reduction in human
manufacturing roles by 2030, according to a report by the World Economic Forum.
10.
Delivery Drivers
Drones and AI-powered logistics systems are increasingly being tested to
handle deliveries. Major players like Amazon and UPS are already investing heavily in drone delivery systems that could eventually
replace human delivery drivers for short-distance deliveries.
11.
Security Guards
The need for human security guards is decreasing as a result of the
increasing effectiveness of AI surveillance systems. These systems include
facial recognition and behavior analysis technologies for monitoring wide
areas.
12. Market
Research Analysts
AI-powered analytics tools can now analyse massive amounts of market
data faster than humans. They can spot trends, predict consumer behaviour, and
provide actionable insights with greater accuracy than human analysts. Market
research will be dominated by AI-powered tools by 2030, meaning that human
analysts will have fewer roles.
13.
Pharmacists
Pharmacies are using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to
prescribe medications based on patient histories and manage inventory. The
possibility that AI will automate some of the jobs that chemists have
historically performed is a serious worry since it could result in job
displacement, cutting off at least 50% of pharmacists in the industry.
14. Legal
Assistants
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are already assisting lawyers by
automating tasks like contract analysis, document review, and even case outcome
prediction. Legal assistants’ roles are becoming less
necessary as a result of these tools’ ability to process enormous volumes of
legal documents far faster than humans.
15.
Financial Analysts
Artificial intelligence (AI)
algorithms are becoming increasingly good at analysing financial data,
forecasting market trends, and even making investment recommendations.
AI has its limitations, even if it is revolutionizing a lot of
industries. AI’s programming and the data it is fed frequently limit its
potential. This is the reason why AI is still far behind in many jobs,
particularly those that call for emotional intelligence, creativity, and human
empathy.
The jobs that demand characteristics that are specific to humans such as
empathy, creativity, emotional intelligence, and the capacity to negotiate
challenging social situations, are ultimately the ones that will be most
protected from AI.
With AI’s continued development, jobs in some sectors will probably
disappear, but roles that focus on people will become increasingly important.
So, while AI is undoubtedly shaping the future, there’s still plenty of space
for jobs that only humans can do best.
Reference:
15 jobs will AI
replace by 2030?
Gaper (https://gaper.io/15-jobs-will-ai-replace-by-2030/)