Professions most likely to be affected by AI in the workplace.

Some 12 years ago I was enlisted to help train an algorithm that could help predict sales of a certain product based on location, time of year, and product demand. The interesting part was that it was meant to take over my own job. In the end, the program was not a success due to errors, client reluctance to deal with a machine, and being deemed too costly for implementation.

Now in 2023, we are faced with a far more mature AI (artificial intelligence) whose capabilities are evolving and rapidly changing the way we live and work. While the promise of AI has the potential to create new jobs and industries, it also has the potential to replace many existing jobs. Here are the top 12 professions whose jobs could disappear because of AI in the workplace:

Drivers: With the development of self-driving cars, the need for human drivers will decrease. This will have a significant impact on the transportation industry, including taxi and truck drivers.

Farmers: AI is already being used in agriculture to monitor crops and soil conditions. As AI technology advances, it is likely that many farming tasks will be automated, leading to a decrease in the number of farmers needed.

Printers and Publishers: With the rise of digital media, the need for printed materials is decreasing. AI is also being used to create news articles and other written content, which could lead to a decrease in the number of publishers and printers needed.

Cashiers: Self-checkout machines are already being used in many stores, and AI-powered systems are being developed that can automatically scan and bag items. This could lead to a decrease in the number of cashiers needed.

Travel Agents: With the rise of online travel booking sites, the need for human travel agents is decreasing. AI-powered systems are also being developed that can help travelers plan their trips, which could lead to a decrease in the number of travel agents needed.

Manufacturing Workers: AI-powered robots are already being used in many factories to perform tasks such as welding and painting. As AI technology advances, it is likely that more manufacturing tasks will be automated, leading to a decrease in the number of manufacturing workers needed.

Dispatchers: AI-powered systems are being developed that can automatically route vehicles and manage logistics. This could lead to a decrease in the number of dispatchers needed.

Waiting Tables and Bartending: AI-powered systems are being developed that can take orders and serve food and drinks. This could lead to a decrease in the number of waiters and bartenders needed.

Telemarketers: AI-powered systems are being developed that can make sales calls and answer customer questions. This could lead to a decrease in the number of telemarketers needed.

Bookkeeping Clerks: AI-powered systems are being developed that can automatically process financial transactions and generate reports. This could lead to a decrease in the number of bookkeeping clerks needed.

Data Entry Clerks: AI-powered systems are being developed that can automatically enter data into databases. This could lead to a decrease in the number of data entry clerks needed.

Customer Service Representatives: AI-powered systems are being developed that can answer customer questions and resolve issues. This could lead to a decrease in the number of customer service representatives needed.

These are just a few examples of the many professions that are at risk of disappearing due to AI. However, it is important to note that AI will also create new jobs and industries. For example, AI developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts will be in high demand in the coming years.

Jan Barbosa