AI-powered digital colleagues are here. Some 'safe' jobs could be vulnerable

Robots have long been a part of industries such as manufacturing, working alongside humans. However, the threat of artificial intelligence (AI) replacing knowledge workers is becoming more imminent than previously anticipated. In 2023, OpenAI's ChatGPT marked a significant shift in the AI landscape, potentially increasing global GDP by 7% but also threatening to replace 300 million full-time workers.

Initially, it was believed that the first wave of AI-related job losses would be in sectors like fast food or manufacturing. However, the rapid development and adoption of generative AI tools could now threaten knowledge-work jobs that were previously considered 'safe'. These include creative roles in marketing, music production, and graphic design. Mark Muro, a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution, suggests that higher-echelon professional positions are most at risk of being replaced by AI.

Artisan AI, a San Francisco-based startup, is developing AI-powered digital workers designed to integrate with human teams. The first of these, 'Ava', is set to automate the role of a sales representative, marking a significant improvement over existing AI tools. Ava can build a knowledge base, create prospects, make suggestions, edit campaigns, join meetings, and take notes, all with minimal human input. This technology has already attracted significant investment, with Artisan AI raising over $2 million in pre-seed funding.