TECH

OECD reveals that artificial intelligence will "steal" fewer jobs than might be expected
Artificial intelligence and business robotics have generated debates about the risk of people losing their jobs. The concern with AI was, incidentally, one of the themes present at last year's Web Summit.A 2013 study by the University of Oxford estimated that 47% of jobs in the United States could be at risk because 702 occupational areas are updated using computer methods. The OECD did a more detailed analysis of these predictions, adding that while AI and computing have a very significant impact on society, not all jobs are at stake.In the new study it is emphasized that there are specific areas in the professions that were considered as a whole, or because they have the same name. This includes the areas of social intelligence, or rather, jobs where it is necessary to negotiate complex social relationships, such as taking care of others or recognizing cultural sensitivities. The area of ​​social relations is complex to be automated, says the study, since it requires application of cognitive intelligence, creativity, perception and manipulation.
On the other hand, the introduction of automation in some professions will only make workers adapt, not necessarily run out of work. As an example, in a factory where machines are operated autonomously, the worker will assume other responsibilities, such as managing inventories or supervising other workers, something that computers can not do.In its analysis, the OECD estimates that only 14% of jobs in the member countries of the organization can be highly automated, with a probability of over 70%. Although the estimate is less than the initial study by Oxford University, the study says that about 66 million jobs may be lost to automation. Only in the United States 13 million jobs can be extinguished.The most fragile targets in the automation impact are the same as the current market, that is, young graduates or workers with few studies. Even though young people have a great ability to adapt to new technologies, about 20% of people under the age of 20 have jobs that do not require much training, such as cleaning and fast food chains, and 34% work in sales and personal services. These jobs run a great risk of being automated.
The study concludes that the impact of job automation could open a larger gap between highly paid and low paid jobs, placing workers in precarious situations.
But it's not all bad news. The OECD predicts that technology will be an empowerment for the creation of new jobs and opportunities. But people will have to adapt and governments must invest in education and training of people, especially those at risk, to keep up with technological developments.

Sapo