Conversational Al and Future of Work: Implications for Job Automation and Skill Development

Artificial intelligence or AI is a buzzword that seems to be on the tip of everyone’s tongue these days. It is definitely a groundbreaking trend in the field of tech development. However, what many people fear is how it has been earlier projected in sci-fi movies or how often it is debated that AI or robots have the potential to take over the world. The future of AI is currently in debate and gaining a lot of traction. Although automation has been in existence for a long, it is only recently that the pace has increased. We can also see how trends like virtual assistants and conversational AI have gained popularity and are widely accepted across industries. We can’t actually predict what’s going to happen in the future, but there are certain trends and patterns which paint the picture of how AI could impact job automation and skill development. Let us discuss that in detail and ascertain what could be the implications of Conversational AI on the future of the work.??

Virtual Assistants in the Workplace??

It will not be wrong to say that the advent of virtual assistants is changing the plight of the workplace. Well, many tasks can be automated with the help of virtual assistants. Be it scheduling meetings, managing the inbox or compiling the data into reports, all the tasks can be resolved in a few clicks. Oftentimes, you may have to complete tasks which are repetitive and time-consuming. The presence of manual intervention further increases the risk of errors and can be highly tiresome. For instance, consider the amount of load a factory worker would have to take. What if we bring in automation and conversational AI to resolve their concerns? Factory workers can work more efficiently and productively. They can raise their concerns to the conversational AI and get their concerns resolved in the least time possible. Henceforth, AI can be an excellent tool, allowing businesses to streamline their business operations.??

Jobs Lost vs. Jobs Created?

The process of automation and AI has been in existence for a long time. It has recently been that it is gaining huge traction due to the potential capabilities and benefits it brings forward. The projection by media would make you think about how AI could take over your job. Well, the reality is far different. The World Economic Forum’s “The Future of Jobs Report 2020" predicts that AI could potentially replace 85 million jobs globally by 2025. That sounds drastic. But what if we say that the same report further highlights that AI also has the potential to create 97 million new roles???

There is no contradiction in this, but the true reality of what it could be. Although AI helps in improving productivity, can take over repetitive tasks. Machines still lack in replacing jobs requiring human skills such as empathy, creativity and problem-solving approach. While it can be highly efficient in automating repetitive and mundane tasks, there is a need to focus the shift on these human skills. In addition to this, the invention of AI brings in new roles and opportunities for humans. Well, technology cannot function on its own. There is a need to guide and design conversational AI that aligns with the business goals.??

The Power of Predictive Analysis vs. Limitations?

Referring to AI, one cannot deny how it helps gather data and assists with powerful predictive analysis. It can be a guiding tool for businesses to determine what approaches or strategies should be developed for the betterment of a business. No matter how powerful predictive analysis can be, it highly depends on learning which can involve massive amounts of data. One should have an accurate, large and relevant set of databases to ensure the predictions are accurate. If the data used to train the model is incomplete, there are high chances that there will be flaws in the predictions. Keep in mind that machines will only do as you guide or train them. This is a big limitation that could have a big impact on the future of AI, and its capacity to analyse the data. If the data itself is biased and lacks relevancy, you cannot expect the predictions to be accurate.?

Collaborative Robots?

Collaborative robots are robots that are capable of collaborating or working in close proximity with humans in a shared space. This level of collaboration can be highly beneficial, enabling human abilities to enhance in a safe way. The key feature is that the robots do not assume that human-robot collaborations function independently. They can also be trained or programmed to stop whenever a human enters or operated areas where robots function. This helps in reducing unwanted delays and can help improve overall productivity through the use of cobots. We can say that these collaborative robots can be highly efficient for monitoring the environment without making any sacrifice on performance or safety.??

Conclusion

Humans or Computers? Humans and Computers?

While AI eliminates the need for constant human intervention, it also increases the need to acquire skills such as data science, software development, and R&D. Instead of debating on Humans over computers, the right way to deal with the situation is when both collaborate equally. Humans and computers together can achieve critical tasks with more ease and efficiency. Conversational AI will definitely have a bigger impact on the future of the workforce. The right way to leverage this is by collaborating with the technology and using it for the benefits and seamless operations of the business processes.?