Editor’s note: This article was first published in March 2023; it was written shortly after AI tools became publicly available, and its figures and forecasts come from 2016 to 2020 sources, including Fortune (2019) and a UK defence chief’s 2020 forecast for 2030. Several of these forecasts have now expired.
In this article we look at which professions could disappear because of artificial intelligence and which jobs will not be affected by it, explaining the reasons in each case, along with a few concepts that help to understand AI.
Artificial intelligence is here to stay. Although people have been working on it for years, it was only a few months ago that it was made available to the public, showing its full potential in many different areas. And as usually happens, along with the huge benefits of artificial intelligence come concerns about lost professions and jobs. Concerns that, it must be said, are entirely justified.
In an interview with the New York Times, Elon Musk said that artificial intelligence will overtake humans within the next five years.
In this article we’ll discuss which jobs AI and robots could take over in the future. But first, let’s look at what some terms mean for those less familiar with the subject.
What is AI?
Artificial intelligence, or AI, makes machines simulate the human intellect, to the point of learning on their own. AI-enabled machines can perform specific tasks better than humans and imitate human actions. There are four types of AI:
Reactive machines
This is the most basic level of AI. Reactive machines can perform basic operations. They cannot form memories or use past experiences to make decisions. IBM’s Deep Blue is the perfect example of this type of machine. This AI defeated chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov in 1997.
Limited memory
This type of AI can store existing data and produce better results by using that data. For example, Tesla’s self-driving cars observe the speed and direction of other vehicles and act accordingly.
Theory of mind
Theory of mind AI can connect with human thoughts and interpret them better. The AI can understand people and have thoughts and “emotions” of its own. These AI machines are still hypothetical, but researchers are putting a lot of effort into developing them.
Self-aware AI
This type of AI belongs to the future. A self-aware AI will have independent intelligence and make its own decisions. These machines will be more intelligent than the human mind.
What is machine learning?
Machine learning is a discipline within artificial intelligence in which systems can learn from past data, identify patterns, detect anomalies and make decisions with minimal human intervention. Once the system has learned from previous data, it can produce an inference based on new input parameters.
There are three main types of machine learning
Supervised learning
Learning takes place from a training dataset under supervision. The input and output data are known from the training data, and the learning process establishes a relationship between them.
Unsupervised learning
In unsupervised learning, the output variables corresponding to a set of input variables are not specified. Algorithms such as clustering and association are designed to model the underlying structure or distribution of the data in order to learn more about it.
Reinforcement learning
Reinforcement learning uses trial and error to arrive at a solution and receives rewards or penalties for the actions it takes. Reinforcement learning is the most effective way to hint at a machine’s creativity.
What is a robot?
A robot is a machine capable of performing specific tasks automatically. It can replicate human effort and deliver better results.
There are five types of robots
Pre-programmed robots
Pre-programmed robots can perform simple tasks. A mechanical arm used for welding in the car industry is an example of a pre-programmed robot.
Humanoid robots
These robots can carry out human-like activities. They look like humans and imitate human actions. Hanson Robotics’ Sophia is a perfect example of a humanoid robot.
Teleoperated robots
Humans control these robots. They carry out tasks in extreme conditions where humans cannot operate. Human-controlled submarines or drones are examples of teleoperated robots.
Autonomous robots
These are independent robots that need no human intervention. They carry out tasks on their own. A perfect example is the Roomba vacuum cleaner, which uses sensors to move freely around a house.
Augmenting robots
Augmenting robots enhance human capabilities by replacing the part that doesn’t work. Examples of augmenting robots include prostheses and exoskeletons.
What is an AI-enabled robot?
The principles of reinforcement learning are applied to AI-enabled robots. They allow a robot to discover optimal behaviour on its own through trial-and-error interactions with its environment. Solving complex problems this way allows AI-enabled robots to take over repetitive tasks from human beings.
AI-enabled robots can navigate, sense and monitor their actions through computer vision. These robots can learn on their own and calculate their reactions accordingly.
Manufacturing companies use AI-enabled robots. These are some of the fields where they are used:
- Packaging.
- Customer service.
- Repetitive customised tasks.
What is robotic process automation (RPA)?
Robotic process automation (RPA) allows a robot to integrate with human interactions and carry out business processes the way humans do. RPA allows robots to manipulate business applications, interpret and communicate with systems in order to automate repetitive tasks.
RPA robots can perform tasks non-stop and at a much faster pace than humans. Their accuracy and reliability are unmatched.
Most organisations are deploying AI and other technological advances in many areas, from manufacturing to customer management. The introduction of technology has brought some rapid changes to the way we work. Automation will lead to some significant changes, to the extent that AI replaces jobs.
However, the main question remains: which jobs will artificial intelligence do away with, and which jobs are in no danger of disappearing because of AI?
12 jobs that artificial intelligence and robots will replace in the future
Although the change is not imminent, industry voices such as Fortune have claimed that robots will replace 40% of jobs within the next 15 years. Other sources say it will happen much sooner.
According to the World Intelligence Congress, AI, virtual personal assistants and chatbots will replace almost 69% of the workload by 2024.
When technology and computers were introduced, they brought improvements in productivity, global reach and faster communication around the world. Computers have greatly reduced or eliminated paperwork. IT and software have improved our problem-solving, reasoning, knowledge, learning and planning abilities.
But do you think robots are also taking over your job? It can be hard to predict the exact impact AI will have on specific tasks. Mechanisation and technology have had some effect on certain professions, and AI could have a similar impact. Let’s look at some of the professions that may become redundant in the future, and why.
12 jobs robots will replace in the future
Based on the nature and type of these jobs, here is a summary of the work most likely to be done by AI machines in the future:
1. Customer service
Customer service executives don’t need a high level of social or emotional intelligence to do their job. Many companies now rely on AI to answer frequently asked questions and customer service queries. Chatbots are not only becoming an important part of customer interaction; they also handle many internal queries, among other things.
2. Bookkeeping and data entry
You may not hear of bookkeeping as a profession for much longer. Instead of using humans for data entry and bookkeeping, it makes sense to bring AI and ML (machine learning) into the product cycle.
3. Receptionists
With automated check-in at hotels large and small, there will eventually be less need for receptionists. Nowadays, even in fast-food restaurants, people can place orders through screens or communication tabs. With the introduction of AI, there is a good chance that robots will be able to handle orders and other related functions.
4. Proofreading
While editing is a more complex job in terms of tone, comprehension and so on, proofreading is much simpler. Spotting grammatical errors, sentence construction problems and other mistakes can easily be automated with various applications. Grammarly, for example, is one of the best-known apps professionals use for this purpose.
5. Manufacturing and pharmaceutical work
This sector is probably the broadest area where people fear AI will take over jobs. Since the production of most of today’s basic goods has already been mechanised, AI can also handle the operational side. Even in pharmaceutical laboratories, robots can work alongside scientists, providing a much safer environment. Scientists will no longer have to put their lives at risk.
6. Retail services
Automated services have replaced the people who make sales. With self-ordering and self-checkout options, AI can also get involved very quickly.
Robots are taking over retail jobs in many shopping conglomerates to understand customer patterns. In addition, the advanced data analysis of AI machines shows other products customers might be interested in in the future.
7. Courier services
AI has brought many social and economic changes to the delivery industry. It has simplified various logistics and supply chain functions. Drones and robots are already taking over courier services. Apart from manufacturing, the transport sectors will be the most affected as robotic automation grows in the coming years.
8. Some branches of medicine
We are already seeing robot surgeons perform critical operations around the world, and it is only a matter of time before they replace human surgeons entirely. Robotic doctors will provide more precise and effective treatments for patients than their human counterparts. There is also less chance of infection thanks to more sterile conditions, and no room for human error.
9. Soldiers
Military professionals are confident that future battlefields will be made up of robots that can follow orders without constant supervision. Robots are already used significantly in military operations for tasks such as surveillance, intelligence and much more.
Recently, the head of the UK armed forces said that autonomous robots could make up a quarter of the British army by 2030.
10. Taxi and bus drivers
There is a 98% chance that this sector will be fully automated. Self-driving vehicles are already here, and it won’t be long before fully autonomous vehicles take over. According to the Los Angeles Times, self-driving trucks could replace 1.7 million American truck drivers in the next ten years.
11. Market research analysts
Research analysts are crucial for every organisation. They carry out market research to improve the performance of the business. AI-enabled robots are gaining popularity in this field because of the comprehensive data they provide.
12. Security guards
Artificial intelligence has made substantial progress in the security field. For example, Yelp’s security robot can inspect a building with its high-definition camera. It also has a directional microphone and an infrared sensor that can detect any suspicious activity. There is an 84% chance that AI will fully automate this sector in the future. With growing reliance on technology for these functions, human involvement will become redundant. But does the future look that bleak for everyone who has a job?
Let’s move on to the professions that supposedly are in no danger of being replaced by artificial intelligence.
Jobs that AI can’t replace
Human creativity knows no limits. Strategic thinking, intellectual leadership, conflict resolution and negotiation, emotional intelligence and empathy are qualities in jobs that AI cannot replace at any point.
See also: The businesses with the most future: human longevity, new technologies and beauty
1. Human resources
A company’s human resources department will always need a human being to handle interpersonal conflicts. Humans have non-cognitive and reasoning skills. Robots cannot understand human emotions, so this job will not be replaced by robots any time soon.
This sector will grow by 9% by 2024. The probability of robots taking over this sector is 0.55%.
2. Writers
Although artificial intelligence can write a book, the truth is that it will never be able to compete with the creativity of the human mind when it comes to writing one; at least, it won’t be able to compete with a good writer.
Writers have to come up with and produce original written content. Every piece of writing is unique. Machines will never be able to personalise the way humans do. They cannot relate to other humans. Writers need creativity and empathy, which AI will not replace any time soon.
3. Lawyers
Being a lawyer means being clever enough to bend the rules in your favour. A robot will never know the precise moment to hit the opposing side with the right argument. Robots cannot have the emotional intelligence to persuade people. A robot cannot reason with another human being. Robots can, however, help with processing.
4. Chief executives
Chief executives have to deal with a wide range of operations. They need to motivate large teams of people who work for them. Every leader comes with their own set of leadership skills. There is no absolute formula for being the best leader, nor any fundamental algorithm for teaching it to machines.
Robots cannot understand a person’s feelings or mood and cannot replace this job.
5. Scientists
A scientist does much more than simply run laboratory experiments. The countless hours of research and the curious drive to invent cannot be replicated by any machine. Robots can help scientists analyse data, but robots cannot develop ideas or be very creative. Intuition is part of science, and an artificial intelligence lacks intuition.
6. Priests
A member of the clergy needs the power to guide and preach to their congregation. They must have empathy, emotion and faith to inspire other people. You cannot teach a robot to instil confidence in other human beings.
That said, it would be fun to see an AI-enabled priest in the future.
7. Psychologists and psychiatrists
Even the world’s best scientists and doctors don’t fully understand how the human brain is wired. Connecting with each individual requires extreme empathy and compassion. Robots can never understand the human mind. Robots cannot express feelings or have compassion for others.
So it’s impossible to have a robot psychiatrist in the future. What’s more, we expect mental health professions to grow considerably, because as people move further into the coldness of technology, mental health problems are increasing exponentially.
8. Event planners
Planners have to coordinate and negotiate with other people for everything to go well. Event planning needs creativity and coordination. Do you think a machine can have coordination and organisational skills? Certainly not. So this job is unlikely to be taken over by robots.
9. Software developers
Software development is hard enough even for humans. Building applications or software takes a great deal of time and skill. Since different clients have different demands, the product has to be customised and flawless. It will be difficult for AI to replicate this work and make it responsive. Still, as with other creative professions, artificial intelligence will speed up the writing of code, but ultimately we doubt the developer’s creativity can be fully supplanted by an artificial intelligence.
Sources used for this article: Fortune, The Guardian, Saviom, IBM, Will Robots Take My Job.
See also: The most profitable businesses according to artificial intelligence
Featured image: BMW Werk Leipzig, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
