Many concerns have emerged regarding AI tools potentially replacing humans, resulting in job losses and increased unemployment. However, history has shown that humans always find ways to adapt to the changes of the times. So, what should we learn in this AI era?
The number of job postings related to AI technology increased 21 times globally in 2023. Furthermore, the World Economic Forum predicts that technology and automation, including AI, will create 97 million new jobs by 2025.
This indicates that the rise of AI offers positive opportunities rather than something to fear.
The Foreseen Fears
“Technological unemployment” is a condition that the renowned British economist John Maynard Keynes warned humanity about as early as 1930. Keynes argued that technological advancements, which help humans save labour, are progressing “faster than we can find new ways to utilize the surplus labour.”
However, there are counterarguments to this claim, suggesting that while technology may eliminate many jobs, it also creates numerous new ones.
In an article published in the MIT Technology Review in December 1938, Karl T. Compton—president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 1930 to 1948—argued that there was no basis for saying that technology causes unemployment on an industrial scale. According to Compton, technological advancements have created “many other occupations” while simultaneously expanding the market for various products by “reducing production costs to make prices more affordable for the majority of consumers.”
Compton provided an example to illustrate his argument: An automated factory might reduce the number of workers needed to operate it, but the resulting lower product cost would increase market demand. Ultimately, more factories would emerge to meet that demand, not only absorbing the surplus labour but also creating more jobs than before.
In short, technological advancements can create more jobs than they eliminate.
However, Compton acknowledged that for certain groups of workers and some communities, “technological unemployment can pose a severe social problem.” He gave examples of a town where a factory closed, as well as a craft industry that was replaced by new technologies. Maynard Keynes also emphasized this point, stating that we must clearly distinguish between the effects of technological progress on the industry as a whole and the more painful impacts on individuals.
Percentage of jobs threatened and likely to integrate AI (IMF chart from ILO data)
Forecast by Zippia – a US-based recruitment platform on the impact of AI on the global job market
What should we learn to adapt to AI?
The development of AI and its impact on the global job market is unavoidable. Whether viewed as beneficial for the industry or a threat to job security, we must find solutions to adapt to AI.
A report from Nielsen, a global market research and advertising company, indicates that 30% of jobs in the UK could be at risk due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, the report predicts that by 2030, 38% of jobs in the US may become obsolete.
McKinsey (a global management consulting firm) has conducted research indicating that modern technologies could automate 45% of human activities across 60% of existing occupations.
However, David Rotman, editor at MIT Technology Review, argues that “technological progress does not equate to fewer jobs.” Humanity is finding the best ways to utilize AI to expand the economy and create new jobs. Moreover, many industries are transforming AI into a working tool to enhance productivity rather than leading to layoffs.
Rotman argues that this scenario is feasible and emphasizes that the power to decide rests in our hands.
Current workers and future generations sitting in classrooms need to prepare for the integration of AI into industrial life. To take control of tools and use technology to enhance productivity and remain relevant, individuals must master foundational knowledge and principles while conducting in-depth research in their fields to become experts. This underscores the importance of workers in the workplace. Moreover, a commitment to lifelong learning is crucial for enabling workers to unlock their potential to tackle new tasks, ensuring they are not entirely replaced or eliminated.
“The illiterate of the 21st century is not just those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn,” said Alvin Toffler, the world’s most famous futurist. This inability to adapt is the root cause of the crisis of useless overcapacity—a genuine challenge that the workforce will face.
There will come a time when AI tool proficiency becomes as common as basic office computer skills are today. Not every job requires skills in office computers, and no position is filled solely based on these abilities. AI, like office software, is merely a tool for getting work done.
A solid knowledge base and a thorough understanding of your field, with a systematic approach to quickly applying new tools, is essential.
The role of AI in the Elevator Industry/ What are AI Applications in the Elevator Industry?
AI can engage and complement many stages of the elevator industry: design, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and repair. However, no industry operates solely through tools.
AI can generate thousands of designs, but only humans can assess the suitability of those designs with actual needs.
Automated production lines will enhance work efficiency and reduce costs.
Emotions in elevator design are an art, possibly a task for humans rather than AI (Photo: “Home Sweet Home” design from GamaLift’s Pop-Up collection)
Several pioneering companies, such as Schindler, have begun researching and applying robots in elevator installation. This method guarantees precise technical work while minimizing safety risks for workers in dangerous environments, such as during elevator installation.
“Predictive maintenance” and “remote control” are increasingly mentioned in the elevator industry, particularly in operations, maintenance, and repairs. Companies in Vietnam, such as Kone and Gama Service, have already implemented these technologies, achieving significant real-world results.
However, these applications are considered “hard skills,” while “soft skills” are of greater importance. The ability to assess suitability, react sensitively to real-world situations, and empathize with people are uniquely human qualities that machines cannot replicate.
Therefore, mastering core fundamentals in the elevator industry remains a priority for learning and research. Developing sharp thinking skills and a lifelong learning mindset is crucial to embrace future innovations and adapt quickly to new technologies.
(box thông tin về chương trình đào tạo nhân viên bảo trì thang máy của VNEA)
The elevator maintenance staff training program is a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Elevator Applied Engineering (VILEA), Korea Lift College (KLC), and Hanoi High-Tech College (HHT).
The first course of the program will begin in August 2024 and will offer international certification. For more details, please read the following information: …..
