AI & The Future of Work | Volker Hirsch | TEDxManchester

Summary

The speaker discusses the rapid advancements in AI, robots, and quantum computing, highlighting how technology is reshaping industries and society. From self-driving cars to AI lawyers, automation is replacing jobs in surprising ways. While technology offers exciting new possibilities, it also raises concerns about displacement and the future of work. The speaker emphasizes the need for education in creativity, empathy, and critical thinking—skills that machines struggle to replicate. To thrive in the evolving landscape, society must embrace change rather than resist it.

Takeaways

• 🤖 AI and automation are rapidly evolving and transforming various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and services.
• 📚 The amount of information exchanged over the internet is growing exponentially, measured in exabytes (1,100 exabytes annually).
• 💻 Computing power has drastically increased since the era of mainframe computers, and we are now approaching the era of quantum computing.
• ⚛️ Quantum computing is expected to revolutionize the way we solve complex problems by processing vast amounts of data simultaneously.
• 🦾 Automation is replacing human labor, even in low-wage jobs like factory work and logistics, with robots increasingly taking over manual tasks.
• 🚗 Self-driving cars, drones, and robots are already being used in industries like transportation, delivery, and security.
• 🎨 AI-generated music and art are becoming indistinguishable from human-created works, exemplified by algorithms like Emily Howell and Google’s WaveNet.
• 👨‍⚖️ AI is being introduced into highly skilled professions, such as law, where machines can perform repetitive, analytical tasks like due diligence.
• 📉 As automation replaces more jobs, industries must adapt by focusing on uniquely human skills like creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.
• 🏫 Education must evolve to prepare future generations for jobs that don’t exist yet, emphasizing skills machines struggle to replicate, such as love, empathy, and creativity.

Q & A

What did the speaker mean by the statement 'knowledge is power' in the context of today?

The speaker refers to the phrase 'knowledge is power' to highlight how access to information has dramatically increased, particularly through the internet. With the exchange of 1,100 exabytes of information annually, the speaker questions whether knowledge alone still holds the same value in a world where it's readily accessible to everyone.

How does the speaker describe the exponential growth in computing power?

The speaker explains exponential growth in computing power using Moore's Law, which suggests that the number of transistors on a chip doubles every 18 to 24 months. This growth in computing power is visualized as an exponential curve, though Moore’s Law is now slowing down.

What is quantum computing, according to the speaker's son?

The speaker's son, a physicist, explains quantum computing as a system where a quantum computer can read all the books in a library at once, unlike a modern computer which reads them one at a time. This signifies several orders of magnitude more computing power.

What role does machine learning play in today's AI advancements?

The speaker describes machine learning as the process where machines 'learn' over time, especially through analyzing vast amounts of data. It is a fundamental aspect of artificial intelligence today and is already being used in a variety of applications, including factory automation.

Why did Foxconn’s decision to replace workers with robots seem alarming to the speaker?

Foxconn's decision to replace 60,000 workers with robots was alarming because it showed that even workers earning $5 a day were becoming too expensive to employ, highlighting the potential of automation to replace jobs globally, even in low-cost labor markets.

How does automation impact warehouse logistics and other industries?

The speaker mentions that robots are increasingly taking over jobs in warehouse logistics, like those at Amazon warehouses. Robots are also being used in the construction industry and even in roles like security (e.g., the robots patrolling Uber’s parking lots).

What are some specific examples of AI and robotics being used today?

The speaker provides examples like Amazon's warehouse robots, automated trucks for logistics, drones delivering pizzas in New Zealand, and even robotic chefs that can cook 2,000 meals. All these examples show that AI and robotics are already being integrated into daily life and business.

What is the potential threat posed by automation to jobs, according to the speaker?

The speaker argues that automation could displace a large number of jobs, particularly those involving repetitive tasks, as machines are often more efficient, faster, and cheaper. Jobs in transportation, manufacturing, and even certain professional services like law and medicine could be at risk.

What human qualities does the speaker believe will be hard for machines to replicate?

The speaker believes that qualities such as creativity, empathy, critical thought, and craftsmanship (e.g., the emotional value of a handcrafted item) will be difficult for machines to replicate. These qualities could provide a buffer against job displacement by automation.

What does the speaker suggest as a way to adapt to the changes brought by AI and automation?

The speaker suggests focusing on human-machine collaboration in the short term and redefining education to emphasize creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. This approach could help individuals remain relevant in a future where machines take over more standardized tasks.