AI’s role in reshaping employment and productivity
Table of contents
AI tools such as ChatGPT, MS CoPilot, and Nvidia Groot, which have replaced previous buzzwords like Industry 4.0, Robotics, and Machine Learning, are not just terms. They significantly affect various industries’ job perspectives, availability, productivity, and costs.
But the questions that arise are:
- How does it change the current job perspective?
- Does this improve job availability?
- Does this improve productivity?
- Does this reduce costs for the company?
We at HRForecast have tried to analyze it using approximately 10 billion data points, such as job postings, and scientific publications, to understand the impact of automation on around 4,500 jobs and what technologies are contributing to it. We go a step further to understand the daily duties of jobs and how automation affects these duties. What technologies and skills do these jobs need to have in the future to stay relevant and improve productivity?
Automation potential by categories
We break down a job’s automation potential into 3 categories, which relate to an overall automation potential.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is vital in automating mundane tasks and some core job functions. This simplifies the job and improves its overall efficiency, thus boosting productivity.
- Industrial automation. Here, we look at the percentage of tasks that can be automated by some industrial equipment and machines, which would indirectly lead to better efficiency. It would include everyday machines and tools specific to a particular task. For example, in automotive manufacturing, robotic arms now perform tasks that used to be done manually, such as welding and painting, increasing the accuracy and speed of production.
- Process automation. The % of tasks can be improved by implementing some automation techniques for specific processes. A prime example is using ERP systems in retail, where automation helps dynamically manage inventory levels based on real-time sales data, significantly reducing overstock and shortage scenarios.
We get this information by analyzing job postings, scientific articles, patents, and other sources to understand how job roles are changing due to new technologies and the possibilities of automation in them.
Exploring automation in practice
We’ll use a few job examples to see how tasks can be broken down into the above-mentioned 3 automation potentials and what the explanations for them are.
Let’s begin with the role of a gardener.
Gardener job profile review
The gardener profession is dynamic, encompassing various tasks such as mowing the lawn, weeding, watering plants, applying fertilizers, and pruning and trimming. Each of these tasks has its own unique automation potential, from low to high, depending on its complexity and the technology available. As the industry develops, the role of the gardener remains crucial in the automation process, ensuring that the technology is used effectively and in harmony with nature.
Source: HRForecast
Automation enhances efficiency in routine tasks like lawn mowing and watering through industrial automation technologies like robotic mowers and irrigation systems.
AI contributes to precision in tasks like weeding and pruning by identifying specific areas needing attention, while process automation optimizes task scheduling and resource allocation.
Thus, we can see that AI and automation will even play a major role in the future of blue-collar jobs such as gardeners.
Let’s now look at another job. See how automation affects the job of a mechanical test engineer.
Mechanical test engineer job profile review
A mechanical test engineer specializes in planning, executing, and analyzing tests on mechanical systems to ensure quality, durability, and functionality. They play a crucial role in product development by designing test procedures, managing testing equipment, and analyzing test results to provide actionable insights.
Source: HRForecast
Automation, particularly AI, significantly impacts the role, enhancing data analysis, predictive maintenance, and design optimization.
Industrial automation and process automation mainly contribute to the operational efficiency of test setups and maintenance activities, reducing manual tasks and improving accuracy and reliability in testing processes. AI’s analytical capabilities facilitate advanced diagnostics and integration with design improvements.
Graphic designer job profile review
A graphic designer includes a combination of creativity and technological expertise. Automation tools in graphic design simplify repetitive tasks, such as resizing images and formatting layouts, allowing designers to focus more on the creative aspects. These professionals must be able to use design software that incorporates AI and machine learning to improve productivity and innovation. With the advancement of automation, graphic designers are expected to constantly improve their skills and use new tools to help create complex graphics, test color schemes, and even suggest design improvements, thus increasing their capabilities and effectiveness in the digital environment.
Source: HRForecast
AI assists in brainstorming and creating essential design elements such as logos and illustrations, showing potential for 31% of these tasks.
It also helps ensure brand consistency and applies user experience principles, with 21% and 19% automation potential, respectively. However, critical aspects such as the generation of original ideas and detailed, brand-specific design still depend on human creativity and insight, underscoring the human-centric nature of graphic design.
In industrial and process automation, these technologies bring about a significant increase in operational efficiency in test and maintenance settings. They achieve this by reducing manual tasks, improving process accuracy and reliability, and enhancing data security and accuracy. This integration provides better process control, reduced downtime, and improved safety in industrial environments, demonstrating the significant benefits of automation in these areas.
Technologies impacting on the example of Gardener job profile
So, we shared how automation affects the jobs mentioned above and how the impact differs from AI, industrial automation, and process automation. But the real question that arises is, what is needed to start improving the efficiency of these jobs? What skills or technologies do I need to upskill/empower my team?
Let’s stick with the Gardner job example to see what technologies affect these jobs and what tools can help you empower your team.
Gardener
First, look at the technologies driving each of the three automation areas.
The three primary areas of automation in agriculture, such as image recognition systems, industrial automation, and process automation, showcase distinct technologies that drive efficiency and innovation in farming and garden management.
- Image recognition systems use artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy of identifying pests and weeds. This technology is critical for targeted pest and weed control, reducing unnecessary chemical use, and maximizing intervention efficiency and sustainability. By integrating cameras and artificial intelligence algorithms, these systems can quickly analyze visual data to distinguish harmful species from crops, significantly minimizing the risk of crop damage.
- Industrial automation includes robotic and unmanned technologies to perform routine agricultural tasks with minimal human supervision. Robotic lawnmowers autonomously maintain the length of grass in extensive areas, adapting to terrain and growth patterns without human intervention. Similarly, automated sprinkler systems use sensors to adjust watering schedules based on real-time soil moisture and meteorological data, ensuring optimal water use. Drone technology extends these capabilities by providing aerial views that help map, monitor, and even directly apply inputs, such as pesticides or fertilizers, exactly where needed.
- Process automation focuses on software-driven management of agricultural processes. Irrigation management software automates irrigation systems by integrating environmental sensors and weather forecasts to optimize water use according to plant needs. Orchard management systems collect data from various sources, including soil sensors and weather stations, to create comprehensive maintenance schedules and resource allocation plans. These systems help manage resources efficiently, from workforce planning to optimizing seed and fertilizer use based on predictive analytics and real-time data.
Source: HRForecast
Now, let’s look at some example tools that can be used or learned to automate these jobs.
Note: These are just examples and are not ordered or mentioned according to specific ratings or importance. There may be other more relevant tools in the market.
Source: HRForecast
Automation strategic directions
The above examples show that new technological advancements, such as AI and robotics, have significantly affected how jobs will change. Jobs will depend more on automation technologies that will improve efficiency and decrease overall cost. However, with the increase in job automation, it is also essential to see that the interaction of humans and machines leads to a more sustainable living, which includes working through some new ethics and regulation standards.
Industry 5.0
Industry 5.0 represents the next phase in the evolution of the industrial sector, building upon the foundations laid by Industry 4.0. While Industry 4.0 focuses on integrating digital technologies, automation, and data analytics to enhance manufacturing processes and efficiency, Industry 5.0 brings a more human-centric approach to this technological foundation.
Key aspects of Industry 5.0
Let’s look at some of the key takeaways.
- Human-machine collaboration. Industry 5.0 emphasizes the collaboration between humans and advanced technologies like robotics and AI. It strongly emphasizes the role of humans in the industrial process, aiming to leverage human creativity and decision-making capabilities alongside advanced technologies. This approach seeks to create a synergy between human intelligence and machine efficiency, enhancing the workplace by making it more adaptive, intuitive, and responsive to human needs.
- Sustainability and circular economy. Industry 5.0 significantly focuses on sustainable production methods and the development of a circular economy. This involves creating processes that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly, minimizing waste, and maximizing the reuse and recycling of materials to create a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.
- Customization and personalization. Industry 5.0 emphasizes the ability to produce goods tailored to individual customer preferences at scale. This level of customization is made possible through advanced automation technologies and capabilities, enabling companies to meet specific customer needs without compromising efficiency or cost.
- Social inclusion and impact. There is an emphasis on creating value not just for businesses but also for society. Industry 5.0 looks at the broader impact of industrial activities on society and aims to ensure that technological advancements benefit all sections of society.
Industry 5.0 isn’t just about technological advancements and automation capabilities but also about redefining the relationship between humans and machines, focusing on sustainability, and ensuring the social relevance of industrial activities.
Key factors driving this shift’s timeline include technological development, investment in research and development, regulatory environments, and industries’ and economies’ ability to adapt to change. Industry 5.0 is still being developed, so its full realization will be a process rather than a single event.
Wrapping up
Integrating artificial intelligence and automation technologies into various work roles significantly increases the efficiency and accuracy of tasks while creating new opportunities for job creation and skills development. As we move towards Industry 5.0, the emphasis on harmonizing human creativity with machine efficiency and an emphasis on sustainability and inclusiveness is changing the employment landscape. Balancing technological progress with ethical and social considerations is critical to ensuring the widespread use of the benefits of automation. Embracing these changes requires constant adaptation and learning, positioning us for a future where technology and human ingenuity will drive steady progress.
Wondering how automation can improve your business and career? Learn how to take the first step toward leveraging automation opportunities in your industry.
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