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

Robots have already been integrated into industries such as manufacturing, working alongside humans. However, for knowledge workers, the threat of AI replacement is looming closer than anticipated.

In early 2023, OpenAI's ChatGPT marked the beginning of a new era where artificial intelligence transitioned from a theoretical concept to a tangible issue for workers. According to a report from Goldman Sachs, generative AI tools like ChatGPT could potentially boost global GDP by 7%, but at the cost of replacing 300 million full-time workers.

Previously, workers may have assumed 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 suggest that even jobs in knowledge-work, which were considered 'safe', could be at risk. This includes creative roles in fields such as marketing, music production, and graphic design.

Mark Muro, a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution, suggests that higher-echelon, professional positions are the most at risk of being replaced by AI. This is due to the fact that generative AI tools and technologies are increasingly capable of performing tasks that were once exclusive to highly skilled humans.

New technology is hitting the market, with robots that function like AI colleagues on the horizon. While AI may prove beneficial to workers in some respects, those in knowledge-work positions should be vigilant.

In early December, San Francisco-based startup Artisan AI plans to unveil its first AI-powered digital worker. Designed to integrate with human teams, this AI worker, named 'Ava', is set to automate the role of a sales representative, marking a significant advancement over existing AI tools.

After a 15-minute conversation with Ava, she can build a knowledge base and use that information to create prospects. Ava can function autonomously, with minimal input, and her integration into a team could significantly boost productivity. Artisan AI has already attracted investor attention, raising over $2m in pre-seed funding within two weeks.

The goal of Artisan AI is to create digital workers capable of performing any task a human can do. They aim for these AI workers to work alongside humans, taking on the more mundane tasks, thereby freeing up human workers for more complex tasks.

The threat of AI to knowledge workers is not a new concept, but it is becoming increasingly real. Policymakers and others are grappling with the potential economic effects. For instance, US President Biden issued an executive order in October to establish guidelines for AI's continued use and development to safeguard American jobs.

Despite the significant impact AI technology is already having on the workforce, Erik Brynjolfsson, a Stanford University professor, believes we are still at the beginning of AI integration into the workplace. He predicts that AI adoption will permeate more sectors of the economy, increasing output, productivity, and revenues for businesses. However, the human cost of this growth, particularly in terms of job losses, remains a concern.

Given the immediate potential benefits to businesses, knowledge workers should be wary about the security of their jobs. Mark Muro emphasizes that this is a white-collar issue, and workers should pay close attention to the developments in AI technology.

Whether the white-collar workforce is diminished by AI technologies will ultimately be a societal choice. Workers will need to have a say in how AI is introduced and used in specific industries. One example of this is the agreement between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and Hollywood studios that sets limits for the use of AI in film and television production. The question remains whether other industries will implement similar measures to protect their workers' livelihoods.

Even Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, the founder of Artisan AI, acknowledges the need for regulation as AI continues to be introduced into new industries. He predicts that we are inevitably heading towards a period where AI will render much of human work redundant, which will be a challenging transition.