‘AI will impact any job that has data’

AI analyst suggests certain professions could benefit from the new AI model

Web Desk

Updated 17 May, 2024

Technology

OpenAI has announced the launch of a new tool. The image via AFP

The new AI model, OpenAI’s GPT-4o, has sparked the potential impact on the workforce.

This new technology can process and generate a combination of text, audio, and visual content, representing a significant leap forward in artificial intelligence capabilities.

An AI analyst and the founder of the research and strategy consulting firm Lopez Research, Maribel Lopez highlighted the far-reaching implications of these advancements.

“The concept of multimodal models will impact a lot of different industries because it handles text, video, and audio,” Lopez told Business Insider.

Lopez stated that the impacts on employment might not be negative, suggesting that certain professions, such as those in the manual labour field, could potentially benefit from the integration of multimodal AI.

She provided examples including electricians, plumbers, and other workers tasked with maintaining and repairing specialised equipment that could leverage AI-powered tools to assist in troubleshooting and problem-solving.

“For workers who fix specialised equipment, AI might be very helpful in troubleshooting or fixing problems. But it won’t replace them because they have to be there to do it,” Lopez said.

The founder emphasised that certain industries or sectors that can have a smooth transformation could face other challenges to adapt the AI model.

Lopez pointed out that some businesses are working on robots to do physical work; those are suited for tedious, repetitive duties such as welding bolts rather than complex blue-collar labour.

The AI analyst hinted that industries like supply chains and finance, where AI could potentially offset a significant portion of data-driven tasks.

“AI will impact any job that has data,” Lopez said, estimating that anywhere from 20% to 30% of tasks performed by “computer workers” could eventually be taken over by AI.

Maribel exemplified paralegals, stating that AI will help transform their roles that could shift from time-consuming tasks like document tracking and summary writing – to new, yet undefined responsibilities.

“The AI challenge is that it forces all of us to enhance our skillsets. It will be a change for all of us,” she stated.

The announcement of GPT-4o was shown using a series of demo videos on Monday, highlighting the technology’s improved voice and vision abilities.

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