As human beings, we are fascinated by the fact that machines and technology make our work easier. Being able to perform a task in less time increases productivity. But when do the merry dances end? Artificial intelligence - or AI - robots and other modes of automation are slowly taking over thousands of jobs that previously required human understanding and labor. As technology takes over, how people are employed and paid will also require a major overhaul.
There are immense positives to be found in these advances, and we do not know how the world would work today without the use of automation and artificial intelligence. But let us look at some of the disadvantages of artificial intelligence, and analyze some of the changes it has brought to major industries all over the world.
Shortcomings of Artificial Intelligence
1. AI lacks empathy
Robots can contain and apply every piece of knowledge uploaded to them, but they do not have individual, contextual senses like humans. Robots are solely concerned in performing tasks and cannot possess truly human emotions, empathy, or kindness.
2. The decrease in demand for human workers
We have seen it before - people lost their jobs even due to the relatively minor introduction of computers. Many who worked in information storage departments were left hanging with no other role to take on after they had specialized. The need for human labor and intelligence is easily replaceable by technology.
3. Humanity’s loss of value
Thousands of companies await the graduation of qualified students from universities and colleges ready to absorb them into the workplace. Most graduates are excited at the thought of finally starting their working life. In a world where the value of a person is in what they can do, very soon humanity will lose some of its value.
4. AI is expensive
The cost of producing robots is quite high. It takes a great deal of sophistication, time, money and expertise. Where does all that money come from? Sometimes, big breakthroughs fail or require more than one attempt to work. Funding will be needed through each attempt until a reliable invention is completed.
Application of AI in Different Fields
Technology and computers have already taken on a significant role in our modern world. Let us look at some great applications of technology.
1. Healthcare
A very basic need to all human beings, the more useful inventions that are created in this field, the better our chances of survival. Here, artificial intelligence is used for patient screening and to give a more accurate medical diagnosis. The most recent technological advancement, radiosurgery, ensures surgery is performed without surrounding tissue being damaged. It is also used to identify high-risk patients and is a helpful tool in developing cancer treatments.
2. Exploration
Going to space is a risky affair, but much less so for an automated machine. A well-coordinated machine provides a clear visual of space and can assess all necessary factors like temperature and distance. Another high-risk venture for humans is exploring the deep sea. With the use of artificial intelligence and automation, we can more easily explore the deep sea at whatever depths we desire. There is also the underground excavation of minerals like oil, gold, diamonds, water and natural gases, all of which use specialized artificial intelligence machines to detect, and even extract them.
3. Video games
Computers are designed to have the intelligence to play various games like FIFA, solitaire or chess. When you do not have a partner to play with, you can choose to compete against the computer itself. Artificial intelligence is so smart that even those that normally win when they play against other humans, lose when playing against the computer.
4. Automotive
This industry had made a huge leap into autonomous cars that can now drive themselves. The vehicles’ artificial intelligence is fitted with a map and sound recognition technology, and once the car is told where to go, it self-drives. The many cab drivers around the world will hate this invention. It will also have a massive impact on logistics, eliminating the need for long-distance lorry drivers.
5. Finance
Computers and applications have the capacity to handle a great deal of work at a phenomenal speed. In finance, artificial intelligence ensures that all charges in businesses large or small are up to standard. It creates room for accountability and transparency. Also, detecting abnormal charges curbs financial crime and reduces fraud.
6. Media
The media must have been the first to experience the heat of artificial intelligence tools. Creativity has become highly automated, including shooting, editing, image processing, transmitting, the ability to make animations and the invention of automated voicemail messages. Images and audio can even be captured from high-risk areas using machines without sending people into the danger zones.
7. Smartphones
Possibly the most widely-used invention in the world. No matter where you are, you are able to communicate with anyone, in any form, using a phone. You can download applications like maps, games, and calculators. Voice recognition is also available, a very helpful feature for the partially sighted. The phone can give directions, tell you where you are, provide the local temperature, store data, send messages and make calls, be used as a mobile bank, take and edit photos, play music - the list is endless.
8. Weather forecast
Machines possess the intelligence to take into account different weather measurements and give a prediction of any climatic changes, impending earthquakes, the global warming rate and even the possibility of tsunamis. Artificial intelligence deals in probabilities in a far superior way to humans.
9. The military
The military is in possession of deadly weapons in great quantities that need to be protected against falling into the wrong hands. Creating passwords and software to ensure weapon safety is crucial. Also, looking into enemy territory has become far safer and easier, without putting the lives of soldiers at risk. A machine is used to spy on enemy strongholds and battle preparations are made accordingly.
10. Random jobs
The mailman might soon be a robot. Maybe the gardener, the nanny, the messenger, the secretary, the pilot, the accountant - perhaps even the police officer? There is no telling which job will be replaced first when the use of robots kicks off in the wider world. We would all benefit from having two or three alternative career specializations so that we have at least one option to run to when the red carpet gets rolled out for the robots in the near future. Do you have much free time? How about earning some extra money? Visit freelancer.com to learn how.
Final thoughts
We have always striven to create a more intelligent, automated world. Robots do not tire, nor do they get bored. They can be programmed to meet the requirements of their owner, or the demands of the working environment. However, we must ensure that humans are not sidelined. There is still a significant need for humanity in the workplace. We must be careful not to unwittingly create a world where only AI developers have jobs. Workplaces will always need human emotions, contextual intelligence and empathy in order to survive.
Are you a victim of the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace? Have you been cut out of your workplace due to the introduction of artificial intelligence? Let us know by leaving a comment below.