What is AI (artificial intelligence)?
When we talk about AI, we immediately think of ChatGPT (GPT stands for generative pre-training transformer). One of the biggest applications of GPT, this natural language chatbot is far from covering the full extent of the science behind every artificial intelligence project...
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a set of technologies that use software-coded heuristics to stimulate human intelligence. It uses intelligent system models. Some of the key applications of this technological revolution are data science and machine learning.
It's all about making sure that computer systems can process huge amounts of data (images, texts, etc.) using advanced AI techniques and solutions. The goal is for these machines and computer systems to perceive, reason, and learn with computer assistance, so they can automatically learn from the data and perform certain functions without human intervention.
Thanks to algorithms based on deep learning that use artificial neural networks, a computer system or AI-powered computer can mimic human cognitive activity and produce meaningful results. So, how are computer systems useful in the workplace?
The advantages of artificial intelligence in the workplace
Companies are using artificial intelligence because of its many advantages.
Automation
Automating work is one of the biggest advantages of AI. Thanks to generative AI tools (natural language chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard), the labor market will see its tasks largely automated (according to a Goldman Sachs study). Productivity within companies will be strengthened more than ever.
Skills development
New tech can boost your employee skills with a solid mix of teaching methods and AI power. If you're an entrepreneur, you can use this future tech to check and improve your employees' knowledge.
Purchase process optimization
Instead of relying solely on human skills, you can use AI and its smart tools to monitor and optimize your customers' purchasing process. This allows you to exploit the data provided by Big Data and adapt your marketing strategies, for example.
User experience optimization
Effective and efficient customer service is a major challenge for any company. Artificial intelligence makes it possible to meet this challenge thanks to virtual assistants who have developed skills to interact with customers.
Besides collecting important user information, an AI-powered machine can also provide solutions, just like humans would when faced with an emotional problem.
Like data science, machine learning, and deep learning (a subset of machine learning), AI solutions, tools and services are already changing the world of work. But, in reality, new AI technologies are a double-edged sword.
The positive evolution of artificial intelligence at work
By automating certain tasks, machines with artificial intelligence (including computers) will definitely impact your company's expected results. For example, time constraints will be reduced, and productivity and work quality will be optimized.
New technologies are also using artificial intelligence to help employers recruit and hire candidates. They optimize the process and allow for quick analysis of interviews.
Thanks to its many applications, AI is widely used in various sectors. In healthcare, for example, it's proving its worth in surgeries and medication dosages with powerful computer systems. The financial sector benefits from AI's ability to fight bank fraud and strengthen cybersecurity.
You can even use AI services and tools, like those from Microsoft, for your application development project, smart machines, or computer system models tailored to your company's specific needs.
The negative impact of artificial intelligence on the world of work
Using AI tools or models as growth solutions could negatively affect the workplace. Right now, the biggest worry about bringing in AI is that some types of jobs might disappear.
Let's take the example of the automotive industry. Self-driving cars equipped with a computer system would threaten to eliminate human labor in favor of machines. The most illustrative example here is the probable elimination of carpooling programs and the need for taxis.
That doesn't worry the ILO (International Labour Organization), which generally believes that AI will bring transformational changes rather than job destruction.
In a study published in August 2023, the ILO identifies the automation of tasks as the cause of these changes. According to the organization, automation affects women's jobs (1.5%) much more than men's (0.8%). In its March 2023 report, Goldman Sachs points out that 300 million full-time jobs worldwide will be affected by AI.
Technological advances in AI: towards the creation of new jobs?
According to a McKinsey report, research and development are key areas where artificial intelligence is making a difference, helping to develop new skills.
- Thanks to AI algorithms, predictive data analysis will help anticipate future events by identifying trends from existing data.
- The need to use powerful machine learning algorithms will lead to the creation of the job of machine learning expert.
- Complex data often contains valuable information that can be extracted using artificial intelligence techniques. The requirements linked to the implementation of such data management systems will require a specialist architect.
The power of AI in the world of work: Certainty and uncertainty
The revolutionary and useful changes brought about by AI are inevitable. The problem is that they raise many questions. Indeed, if technological tools can imitate the intrinsic capabilities of the human brain, what will be the future of professions and workers in a working life dominated by AI?
The science of computer systems and the relentless revolution of intelligent machines will tell us in the years to come. But, as Alan Turing asked in 1950, "Can machines think?" Although the effectiveness of the Turing test is controversial, some computers have been mistaken for humans by the judges who carried out the test.
Is it enough to trust artificial intelligence as much as human intelligence in terms of analysis and judgment? Are the results of the various Turing tests carried out so far so convincing that we want to replace humans with machines in the world of work?
It's not a given: IBM hasn't yet succeeded in its project (launched in 2016) to eliminate the profession of radiologist by developing its robot Harvey.
Written by our Iamko expert
November 7, 2023
