However, some companies have been laying off workers as they implement AI, leading to concerns among workers about job security. Brynjolfsson argued that AI should be used to complement human workers, not replace them, and that the technology will take on more dangerous, mundane, or repetitive tasks, leaving humans to focus on more creative, meaningful, and interpersonal work. He concluded that companies that effectively combine human and AI labor will see the greatest productivity gains.
Key takeaways:
- A Stanford University professor, Erik Brynjolfsson, argues that AI should be used to complement human workers, not replace them.
- Brynjolfsson gave an example of a call center that used AI to augment its workers, resulting in increased productivity and customer satisfaction, and reduced employee turnover.
- Some companies have been laying off workers due to AI implementation, while others, like Deloitte, are using AI to assess employees' skills and move them into more in-demand roles.
- Two CEOs working on new robotic technologies agree with Brynjolfsson, stating that AI will take on more dangerous, mundane, or repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative, meaningful, and interpersonal work.