While many Americans fear that AI is coming for their jobs, a recent study suggests that these tools still have a long way to go before they can automate real-world jobs. Researchers tested various AI models on hundreds of freelance projects and found that only one system, Manus, was able to complete about 2.5% of the jobs successfully.
The study's findings contradict some economists' claims that AI will revolutionize the workforce. According to Ioana Marinescu and Konrad Kording, two researchers who developed an interactive model to understand this dichotomy, "AI isn't really being deployed in the physical sector." This suggests that AI's impact on the economy is limited by its inability to automate jobs in industries such as construction and healthcare.
However, the study also highlights areas where AI excels. For example, AI can handle routine tasks such as translating subtitles for TV shows and creating social media posts with ease. But when it comes to handling more complex and outside-the-box cases, like customer service and writing personalized emails, AI still has a long way to go.
The ability to effectively use AI is becoming increasingly important in the job market. There are currently over 10,815 job postings in the Philadelphia area that require AI skills, ranking it 14th among US cities.
Not everyone is optimistic about the impact of AI on the workforce. Sorelle Friedler, a professor of computer science at Haverford College, believes that AI can be used to augment human capabilities, but it's not yet ready to replace humans in many roles. "It's one thing to say, 'Oh, in theory, could AI do your job?' Yes, maybe it can do part of it, but if you can't cover that last mile, it can still be hard to deploy."
The study also found that when workers use AI tools on mundane tasks, they experience a decline in intrinsic motivation and an increase in boredom. However, some organizations are successfully implementing AI to automate routine tasks, such as the Veterans Affairs agency's use of AI to process disability claims.
As AI continues to evolve, researchers emphasize the importance of understanding its full potential and preparing for its impact on the workforce. "AI is here to stay," says Friedler, "and understanding its potential might be the best way to prepare for its effects."
The study's findings contradict some economists' claims that AI will revolutionize the workforce. According to Ioana Marinescu and Konrad Kording, two researchers who developed an interactive model to understand this dichotomy, "AI isn't really being deployed in the physical sector." This suggests that AI's impact on the economy is limited by its inability to automate jobs in industries such as construction and healthcare.
However, the study also highlights areas where AI excels. For example, AI can handle routine tasks such as translating subtitles for TV shows and creating social media posts with ease. But when it comes to handling more complex and outside-the-box cases, like customer service and writing personalized emails, AI still has a long way to go.
The ability to effectively use AI is becoming increasingly important in the job market. There are currently over 10,815 job postings in the Philadelphia area that require AI skills, ranking it 14th among US cities.
Not everyone is optimistic about the impact of AI on the workforce. Sorelle Friedler, a professor of computer science at Haverford College, believes that AI can be used to augment human capabilities, but it's not yet ready to replace humans in many roles. "It's one thing to say, 'Oh, in theory, could AI do your job?' Yes, maybe it can do part of it, but if you can't cover that last mile, it can still be hard to deploy."
The study also found that when workers use AI tools on mundane tasks, they experience a decline in intrinsic motivation and an increase in boredom. However, some organizations are successfully implementing AI to automate routine tasks, such as the Veterans Affairs agency's use of AI to process disability claims.
As AI continues to evolve, researchers emphasize the importance of understanding its full potential and preparing for its impact on the workforce. "AI is here to stay," says Friedler, "and understanding its potential might be the best way to prepare for its effects."