Every Industrial Revolution raises concerns about job loss, but the latest one, which is centered around artificial intelligence (AI), is vastly different. It’s less about automating a process than it is about intentionally creating technology to replace individuals. According to a recent MIT and Boston University report, AI will replace as many as two million American manufacturing workers by 2025. Investment bank, Goldman Sachs, projects that globally, AI could replace as many as 300 million full-time jobs by 2030. What’s unique about this Industrial Revolution is that AI & robots are being created to fill jobs where shortages exist. Take long-haul drivers for example. Because they’re in very short supply, their functionality is being supplemented by opening the field to women & younger drivers. But self-driving trucks could replace human drivers altogether, permanently alleviating the shortfall. In addition, fast-food restaurants, where staffing post-pandemic has been tough, are looking at replacing all employees with robots and AI. Briggo’s Coffee, is a Texas-based company specializing in robotic coffee dispensing machines, using data & robotics to replicate the skills of a master barista. While Briggo’s may never fully replace Starbucks, it’s likely to steal market share from the 800- pound gorilla & alter the way we get our coffee fix. And while these projections may seem impossible to fathom, the forecast for AI change is right around the corner & full steam ahead!
