What is AI (artificial intelligence)?
When we think of AI, we immediately think of ChatGPT (GPT for generative pre-training transformer). One of GPT's biggest applications, this natural language chatbot is far from covering the full scope 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 models of intelligent systems. Some of the key applications of this technological revolution are data science and machine learning.
The aim is to enable computer systems to absorb huge quantities of data (images, text, etc.) using advanced AI techniques and solutions. With computer-aided perception, reasoning and learning as their objectives, these machines and computer systems must automatically learn the data to perform certain functions without human intervention.
Thanks to algorithms based on deep learning using artificial neural networks, a computer system or computer with artificial intelligence is able to mimic human cognitive activity and produce significant results. So what use are computer systems in the world of work?
The benefits of artificial intelligence in the workplace
Companies use artificial intelligence for its many advantages.
Automation
Job automation is one of the greatest benefits of AI. Thanks to generative AI tools (natural language chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard), the labor market as a whole will see its tasks automated (according to a Goldman Sachs study). Productivity within companies will be boosted more than ever.
Skills development
New technologies can enhance your employee skills through a coherent combination of pedagogical approaches and AI capabilities. If you're an entrepreneur, you can exploit the possibilities offered by this technology of the future to assess and reinforce your employees' knowledge.
Optimizing the purchasing process
Rather than relying on human skills alone, you can use AI and its intelligent tools to track and optimize your customers' buying process. This enables you to exploit the data provided by Big Data and adapt your marketing strategies, for example.
Optimizing the user experience
Effective, 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 the skills to interact with customers.
As well as gathering important information about users, a machine with artificial intelligence is likely to provide solutions, just as human beings 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 working landscape. But, in truth, new AI technologies are a double-edged sword.
The positive evolution of artificial intelligence in the workplace
By automating certain tasks, machines equipped with artificial intelligence (including computers) will have a definite impact on the results expected within your company. For example, time constraints will be eased, and productivity and quality of work optimized.
New technologies are also using artificial intelligence to help employers recruit and hire candidates. They optimize the process and enable rapid analysis of interviews.
Thanks to its multiple applications, AI is widely used in a variety of sectors. In healthcare, for example, it is proving its worth in surgical interventions and drug dosages thanks to powerful computing systems. The financial sector benefits from AI's ability to combat bank fraud and strengthen cybersecurity.
You can even use AI services and tools such as those from Microsoft for your project to develop applications, intelligent machines or IT system models tailored to your company's specific needs.
The negative impact of artificial intelligence on the world of work
The use of AI tools or models as growth solutions could have a negative effect on the workplace. Already, the biggest concern about the introduction of AI is the possibility that certain types of profession will disappear.
Take the automotive industry, for example. Autonomous cars equipped with computer systems threaten to make human labor disappear in favor of machines. The most illustrative example here is the likely elimination of car-sharing programs and the need for cabs.
This doesn't worry the ILO (International Labor Organization), which overall believes that AI will bring transformational rather than job-destroying change.
In a study published in August 2023, the ILO points totask automation as the incriminating factor in these changes. According to the organization, automation will have a far greater impact on women's jobs (1.5%) than on 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.
AI technological advances: towards the creation of new jobs?
According to a McKinsey report, research and development is one of the key areas for artificial intelligence. They will thus contribute to the emergence of new skills.
- Thanks to AI algorithms, predictive data analysis will enable us to anticipate future events by identifying trends from existing data.
- The need to apply powerful machine learning algorithms will lead to the creation of the profession of machine learning expert.
- Complex data often contains valuable information that can be extracted using artificial intelligence techniques. The requirements for implementing such data management systems will call for a specialized architect.
The power of AI on 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 mimic the intrinsic capabilities of the human brain, what then will be the future of professions and workers in an AI-dominated working life?
The science of computer systems and the unbridled revolution in 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 conducted the test.
Is it enough to trust artificial intelligence in the same way as human intelligence in terms of analysis and judgment? Are the results of the various Turing tests carried out to date so convincing that we want to replace man by machine in the world of work?
It's not easy: IBM has not yet succeeded in its project (launched in 2016) to abolish the profession of radiologist by developing its Harvey robot.
Written by our Iamko expert
November 7, 2023
