Impact of Automation and Artificial Intelligence on Workforce

This article discusses the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the workforce. It covers the replacement of human functioning with machines, the merging of human and machine intelligence, and the potential benefits and threats of artificial intelligence. The article also mentions examples of companies like Google and Tesla that are changing work methods through automation.

Business Communication
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Contents
Part- A Summarising..................................................................................................................3
Part-B.........................................................................................................................................3
References..................................................................................................................................5
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Part- A Summarising
Automated machines have replaced human functioning in various arenas (Phi, 2012)
Machines are fast replacing humans for work effectiveness. According to Erik Brynjolfsson
and Andrew McAfee, machines are taking over human lives at a very rapid pace
(Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2012).
Researchers like Kurzwei go on to say that by 2025 human and machine intelligence will
merge (Kurzweil, 2010). Kurzwei’s other predictions which came true like fall of Soviet
Union and super computers defeating world chess champion; brings to light that machines
can do things which human had once considered unthinkable (Loebbecke & Picot).
Companies like Google and Tesla are changing work methods through automation. Google
has a secret division known as Google X which is actively researching on new technologies
like self-driven cars. (Wood, 2018) Technology enabled machines have now started defeating
humans in brain power (Davenpor, 2016). Apple’s Sri and Microsoft’s Cortana are examples
of strides in technological revolution in replacement of human brain with machines.
Revolution in automation is leading to elimination of both blue collared and white collared
jobs (David, 2012). Therefore, as more progress takes place in this field computers will be
used for most general and routine jobs.
Part-B
Innovation and research in new technologies have made human work easier, faster and more
accurate (Davenpor, 2016). The speed with which machines are replacing humans in doing
work is also increasing. New technologies have enabled machines which can use artificial
intelligence to replace human brain (David, 2012). Therefore, merging of computer and
human intelligence has become an inevitable reality (Kurzweil, 2010).
Technological progress has become so fast paced that business organisations are fathoming
the use of merged human and artificial intelligence to create smarter ways of doing business
(Loebbecke & Picot). For example, direct streaming of advertisement campaigns into the
sensory of the target audiences or the concept of self-driven cars being researched by Google
(Wood, 2018). The unbelievable concept that machines can do work faster than humans and
can even defeat humans in tasks achievement is a thing of the past. Computer technology has
long back established that a programmed machine can do any task at a greater speed and
accuracy than a human can accomplish (Wood, 2018). Business organisations, tech
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researchers and even political systems are now looing at computers to deliver at a much
higher level than just providing speed and efficiency.
Google is a pioneer in innovative computer technology (Ertel, 2018). Researchers at Google
have been trying for a long time to create a significant breakthrough in artificial intelligence
(AI). Google believes that an access to artificial intelligence can make people’s lives better
(Ertel, 2018). Artificial intelligence is an innovative technology through which a
computerised programme can be made to think intelligently like humans (Loebbecke &
Picot). AI is based on understanding of human thought and learning process (Poole, 2017). A
major thrust of AI is to create intelligent programmes which can think, reason, analyse and
solve problems.
AI programmes can solve generic problems like give results for searches, relay news and
provide climatic change recommendation. An AI programme can modify itself by absorbing
information without distorting its structure (Ertel, 2018). Artificial intelligence concept is still
in its nascent stage and a lot of research is still required to remove its shortcomings.
The aim of AI is to make life simpler. Apple’s Sri and Microsoft’s Cortana are examples of
an artificial intelligence led programme (Ertel, 2018). These programmes are user interphase
programmes which use natural language to answers questions, makes recommendations
regarding searches and assists in taking actions through language commands (Ertel, 2018).
Therefore, with an access to artificial intelligence humans can undertake a wide variety of
work, get recommendations and actions within seconds.
Certain experts deem AI as a threat to security, privacy and the very existence of humanity
(Poole, 2017). Major threat from AI is perceived to be on both blue collared and white
collared jobs. Automated robots can takeover worker’s jobs in factories and put them out of
jobs. White collared jobs which can be threatened by artificial intelligence are customer
services, news reading, tour and travel support etc (Ertel, 2018). Additionally, with greater
growth in AI it can impact all types of jobs.
However, AI is still in nascent stage of growth and lot of research is required to make it
perfect. Artificial intelligence can in future be used for human good like predicting crop
failure due to droughts, earthquake predictions and suggesting ways to solve these problems
(Poole, 2017). If used thoughtfully artificial intelligence can prove to be a boon for humanity.
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References
Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2012). Race Against the Machine: How the Digital
Revolution is Accelerating Innovation, Driving Productivity, and Irreversibly
Transforming Employment and the Economy. Massachusetts: Massachusetts Institute
of Technology.
Davenpor, T. H. (2016). Only Humans Need Apply: Winners and Losers in the Age of Smart
Machine. New York City: HarperCollin.
David, H. (2012). Why are there still so many jobs? The history and future of workplace
automation. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 29(3), 3-30.
Ertel, W. (2018). Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. Humburg: Springer.
Kurzweil, R. (2010). The Singularity is Near. London: Gerald Duckworth & Co,.
Loebbecke, C., & Picot, A. (n.d.). Reflections on societal and business model transformation
arising from digitization and big data analytics: A research agenda. The Journal of
Strategic Information Systems, 24(3), 149-157.
Phi, S. (2012). Message Not Received: Why Business Communication Is Broken and How to
Fix It. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
Poole, D. L. (2017). Artificial Intelligence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Pres.
Wood, J. (2018). Travel Technology: Maglev Trains, Hovercrafts, and More. New York:
Gareth Stevens Publishing LLLP,.
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