It has long been a fear of the human race that we will all one day be replaced by robots, an idea fuelled by the science fiction genre with books and films like i-Robot, The Matrix and even The Stepford Wives. 

Yet, while these stories are, of course, a fantasy version of a dystopian future, recently, with the launch of ChatGTP and other machine learning automation platforms, the fiction might look like it is becoming a reality as many in the tech sector are concerned that generative AI could replace their roles in the workplace and make many jobs obsolete.

What sort of roles could AI replace?

Automation is often thought of in terms of efficiency with robotic processes, until recently, mainly replacing low-skilled roles, such as in factory production lines, to increase speed and accuracy. 

However, the difference with generative AI is that it can create and ‘think’ for itself, meaning that it has the potential not just to replace mundane and repetitive physical tasks, it can now also learn and innovate, allowing the possibility for machines to perform more sophisticated jobs which require decision-making and imagination. Understandably, some software developers and tech specialists worry that their expertise and creativity will no longer be needed. 

As the tech industry continues to grow exponentially and technological solutions increasingly affect every aspect of modern life, so do the opportunities to employ generative AI software to improve user experiences and automate processes for increased productivity and idea generation. 

Some of the key areas in which generative AI is most likely to be used include:

• Coding – Generative AI can massively increase the speed of various coding tasks, such as translating one programme language to another. It can also automate code writing, rapidly learn new programme languages and how to use programming tools, and be employed to test new software to predict problems and find errors before programmes are released for general use or sale.
• Automation – Machine learning can tackle a task by tapping into its historical data for context and then deciding on the most suitable course of action and predicted outcomes, all at lightening-speed. This allows for both hugely increased efficiency and hyper-personalisation way beyond human capabilities. 
• Risk Management – As generative AI can learn from past data input, it is likely to be able to predict and pre-empt security risks, including fraud and data breaches. The software should also be able to proactively improve compliance, identifying errors and implementing updates for new regulations. 
• Development – Advances in technology tend to lead to further technological advances, meaning that generative AI is likely to become increasingly important in creating new ideas and further improvements to all aspects of the tech sector. Generative AI is already being used for design, research, visual identity, copy generation and real-time personalisation, helping companies quickly improve their products, software and marketing to reach new customers and build better relationships with their existing clients.

So are we all out of a job?

In reality, it is improbable that generative AI will replace real workers anytime soon; instead, humans and robots will work together to improve outcomes and increase productivity.

Currently, generative AI is only as good as the data input it receives. It can only produce new ideas based on what it understands from this information, so it is technically incapable of creativity in the human sense.

Additionally, generative AI needs to be monitored and moderated as there is always a possibility that the algorithms could make decisions using incorrect or incomplete information, and the technology is also currently unable to effectively make ethical or strategic decisions. Therefore, human interaction is still necessary to ensure that output is accurate and useful.

Although generative AI may take away more formulaic and time-consuming tasks, it also creates new jobs in the sector. Predictions show that almost 100 million people will work in AI by 2025.

Some tech jobs expected to increase in demand include data detectives and data scientists, prompt engineers, robotics engineers, machine managers and programmers, especially Python coders, as Python plays a crucial role in AI development. In addition, those with the capability to train others in AI software and processes will be increasingly needed, along with those who can work in a maintenance capacity to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of AI programmes.

Furthermore, as robots are adapted and developed to interact with humans in an ever more complex, lifelike and timely fashion, other related fields which are set to thrive in an AI-assisted work environment include; modelling, computational intelligence, machine learning, psychology, linguistics and neuroscience.

Specific industries that look likely to increase hiring due to AI include healthcare. With billions already invested in autonomous vehicles, PWC predicts a surge in healthcare technician jobs and transportation.

So generative AI is nothing to worry about; robots will be a force for good in the workplace. Automation and artificial intelligence look set to be something we will all need to become accustomed to integrating into our daily working lives to help us increase productivity and innovation, and predictions show that rather than replacing us, they can help us and create new roles for humans too.

If you are looking for a team of tech, cyber security, risk, compliance or IT professionals for anything from a small short-term project to a large scale long-term managed contract, get in touch with Dukebridge today and find out how our hybrid consulting services can quickly and effectively fulfil your staffing needs.

Dukebridge services:

We equip our clients to overcome the challenges of meeting business, operational and technology objectives by helping them build, scale and deploy skilled teams quickly and cost-effectively.

We achieve this by providing highly responsive programme/project resources skilled in analysis, project management and execution, whose effectiveness is sustained by our Service Delivery Function. This includes a centralised PMO function that helps achieve project/engagement success by embedding accountability and governance from day one.