The AI Takeover: From US to India, Traditional Jobs Meet Their Digital Disruptor
Says Elon Musk: Embrace a deliberate suspension of disbelief in a world where AI may outperform humans in various fields.
In this newsletter:
AI Making Inroads Into Farming…and Baking!
Some British Telecom Jobs to Go to AI
Elon Musk’s Career Advice To His Kids
Majority of Australians Polled Believe Future Job Applicants Will Require AI Skills
India Running Out of AI and Data Experts
Study Shows Industry Overtakes Academia in AI Research
Microsoft Unveils APO, an Algorithm to Make Prompting Easier
AI Funding Takes Sharp Dive
China Sets Up Ethics Committee for New Tech
Most Americans Polled Fear AI Will Kill Humans
Tom Hanks on Tom Hanks and After
Work, Life, Business
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer limited to headline sectors like IT, healthcare, and aviation; it is quietly revolutionizing unexpected industries such as farming, baking, and snack-making.
AI Farming = Green Farming?
Farmers worldwide are under intense pressure to increase productivity because of the rising demand for food due to the increasing human population. But the challenge is to ensure that productivity is also environmentally sustainable.
So now they have introduced something called “precision agriculture”. It is an AI-led process that helps farmers optimize their crop yield, reduce waste, and save time. What’s more, AI-enabled farming can also help farmers make better decisions by providing accurate data on soil composition, moisture levels, and plant health.
Mr Robot: Please Bake Me a Cake
The utilization of robots and collaborative robots, known as "cobots," is on the rise in the confectionaries and baking sector. Bakeries and snack operations are increasingly adopting these automated solutions. According to the International Federation of Robotics, global robot installations were projected to experience a substantial 10% growth, reaching nearly 570,000 units in 2022. This indicates the growing popularity and integration of robotics in the baking industry.
Reference: Baking Business
Farming is undergoing a silent yet significant transformation with the advent of technologies like drones and AI algorithms. These advancements enable data-driven crop monitoring and yield prediction, revolutionizing traditional farming practices.
However, as with any technological shift, concerns about data privacy, job displacement, and the digital divide among farmers arise. The entry of Big Tech into rural areas is met with mixed reactions, highlighting the need for careful consideration and inclusive implementation. Certainly, Big Tech’s foray into the hinterlands is not welcomed by all.
Reference: AI In the Fields. The Future of Farming
Staff Reduction in Telecom Continues: Many British Telecom Jobs to be Replaced With AI
UK’s telecoms giant BT will delete up to 55,000 jobs by the end of this decade, mostly in the UK, as part of its cost-cutting process. And here’s the H2 headline: Up to a fifth of the cut jobs will be in customer services where staff will be replaced by technologies including AI.
Chief executive Philip Jansen was quoted in this report as saying whenever a new tech came along, one had to expect big changes. He said generative AI tools such as ChatGPT “give us the confidence we can go even further". AI, he said, would make services faster, better, and more seamless, adding that the changes would not mean customers will "feel like they are dealing with robots".
But Jansen did say in the interview that new technologies do drive new jobs, which is the proverbial silver lining.
BT’s announcement comes just after Vodafone said it would cut a tenth of its staff over the next three years, equating to 11,000 jobs.
Source: BBC
Embrace Deliberate Suspension of Disbelief While Navigating Impact of AI's Advancement on Careers: Elon Musk
Before proceeding, let’s just pause here and read up on what Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, had to say about youngsters making career choices in the era of AI.
In a Twitter Spaces discussion with a CNBC reporter, Musk was asked about the career advice he would offer his own children. The maverick CEO said he always encourages individuals, including his own children, to follow their passions and interests when selecting career paths.
But what was very interesting is what he said next: (he) highlighted the need to maintain motivation and drive by embracing “a deliberate suspension of disbelief”, even in a world where AI may outperform humans in various fields.
Do not dwell too much on the existential aspect of seeking purpose and fulfillment in a world where AI potentially surpasses human capabilities in certain professions. That could be disheartening and demotivating. - Elon Musk
Musk wants youngsters to go beyond job performance alone by prioritizing and pursuing their passions and interests, finding ways to contribute to society, and maintaining motivation and drive by embracing a deliberate suspension of disbelief.
Source: Business Today
With this valuable from “insider” Elon Musk, let’s proceed to the next topic at hand…..
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Most Australians Believe New Hires Will Need AI Skills
Microsoft’s “Work Trend Index” released a few days ago continues to make the headlines. As part of this study, the IT giant sought feedback from 31,000 people from around the world to understand how business leaders were adapting to AI tech.
Four out of five Australian managers responded saying new hires would require skills to manage the growth of AI in the workplace.
Some 31% of Australian managers expect AI technologies to boost efficiency in the workplace. The data shows 14% of Australian managers expect AI tools to eventually reduce their company's headcount.
A different study that outlined how AI can be used to improve the hiring process itself by Professor Andreas Leibbrandt of Monash University, suggests that harnessing AI during recruitment could have a two-fold benefit on workplace diversity.
Reference: SmartCompany
India is Running Out Of AI and Data Experts. Large Sign-on Bonuses Include a BMW
In India, a new report says the rise of AI jobs following OpenAI's ChatGPT has created a high demand for talent, resulting in a scarcity of skilled professionals in the country.
Recruiters are actively competing to attract top talent, leading to significant salary hikes of 35% to 50% when candidates switch jobs. The demand for data scientists, machine-learning specialists, and skilled engineers is surpassing the available supply, causing a shortage in these fields.
This talent scarcity has led to unusual recruitment stories, with employers offering enticing sign-on bonuses such as a BMW motorcycle to attract candidates.
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Balancing Profitability and Public Interest: Growing Concern for the Future as Industry Overtakes Academia in AI Research
Speaking of research, in a disconcerting turn of events, a recently published study reveals a worrisome trend: industry has now taken the reins in AI research, a domain traditionally dominated by academia. The study published in a new paper in the journal Science was co-authored by MIT research scientist Neil Thompson, MIT postdoctoral associate Nur Ahmed, and Virginia Tech PhD student Muntasir Wahed.
The report exposes the shift in AI research dynamics.
Historically, AI research was fairly evenly split between academia and industry until the early 2000s. But now, industry's ascendancy over scientists has been propelled by its greater access to computing power, extensive data resources, and the ability to attract top talent for research and development. This growing trend is cause for concern regarding the future of AI research, particularly in areas that serve the public interest but may not yield immediate profitability.
Since 2006, the number of research faculty members in academia has stagnated, while industry hiring in the field has multiplied eightfold. With an average model size 29 times larger than those in academia, industry boasts superior computing power, amplifying the disparity between the two groups. Moreover, industry now accounts for a staggering 96% of the largest AI models developed each year. Furthermore, the number of published papers featuring industry co-authors has nearly doubled since 2000.
The only time this development bucks the trend is when it comes to industries like pharmaceuticals, where research efforts are more evenly divided between academia and industry.
In the pharmaceutical sector, academia excels in conducting fundamental research at a reasonable cost, while industry possesses the resources necessary for applied research and clinical trials.
In the realm of AI, however, academic researchers face significant limitations due to industry ownership of models and the exorbitant costs associated with computing power. Consequently, concerns arise regarding the future of AI research that serves the public interest but may not align with industry profitability. Industry's priorities may gravitate toward investments that primarily benefit their bottom line rather than the broader public.
This study's findings ring alarm bells, underscoring the urgency to address the implications of industry dominance in AI research. Balancing the interests of industry profitability and the public good is crucial to ensure a future where AI advancements serve the greater benefit of society as a whole.
Reference: MIT IDE
Introducing APO: Microsoft Researchers Pioneer Automated Prompt Optimization
So here’s one more “corporate giant’s” new solution in AI. You may be aware of prompts, which is like giving cues to generative AI tools, but many users are not really trained in keying in such prompts.
To tackle this, Microsoft researchers recently unveiled a solution for overcoming the hurdles before prompt development. Called the Automatic Prompt Optimization (APO), its primary objective is to automate and enhance the prompt development process for Language Models (LLMs).
What does all this mean for the layman?
APO is a fancy new algorithm that's going to make a big difference in how we use language models.
Here's the deal: APO helps make prompts (you know, those little cues or questions we give to language models) work even better. It's like giving language models a power boost! This clever algorithm takes inspiration from some really smart techniques and uses them to improve how prompts are created.
Why is this such a big deal? Well, APO is going to revolutionize the way language models understand and process human language. It's going to make them smarter and more capable than ever before. Imagine having a chat with a language model that understands you perfectly, just like a human friend would!
This breakthrough opens up a whole world of possibilities. Think of all the applications where language models are used, like voice assistants, chatbots, and even translation tools. With APO, these tools will become even more powerful and accurate, making our lives easier and more convenient.
Source: MarketTechPost
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What! AI Funding Takes Sharp Dive in Q1'23 Despite Generative AI Momentum
Latest data reveals a sharp decline in global AI funding, dropping to $5.4 billion in 2023. This represents a staggering 43% decrease compared to the previous quarter and marks the lowest quarterly total since Q1 of 2018, according to data by CBInsights. Adding to the concerns, the number of deals also experienced a continuous decline for the fourth consecutive quarter, reaching a mere 554, the lowest count since Q4 of 2017.
Despite the overall decline, it is worth noting that three out of the top five largest funding rounds this quarter were secured by generative AI companies. This trend highlights the increasing excitement and interest surrounding generative AI, as evidenced by the significant funding they received. However, it is important to acknowledge that while generative AI shows promising momentum, it may take some time for this specific segment to compensate for the broader decline observed in AI funding as a whole.
Reference: CBInsights
China Launches Science and Technology Ethics Committee to Address AI Development Risks
China's Ministry of Industry and Information and Technology (MIIT) has set up a committee and expert group for science and technology ethics in the wake of the commercialization of AI, the Global Times reported. By taking this proactive step, China aims to address the ethical considerations associated with the rapid advancement of AI and ensure responsible and sustainable development in the field.
They will play a crucial role in overseeing the administration of science and technology ethics. It will be responsible for organizing and chairing ethical inspections, coordinating key research programs, promoting ethical education, and facilitating international cooperation. The committee will also establish an administration supervision mechanism to ensure effective governance.
An expert group comprising seasoned professionals from diverse fields such as policy, technology, management, ethics, and law will provide valuable insights and guidance. This group will offer consultancy services for decision-making processes and contribute to professional revisions aimed at enhancing ethical practices in the realm of science and technology. The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology will serve as the headquarters for this expert group.
Majority of Americans Polled Fear AI is A Threat to Civilization
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll has revealed that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence technology has raised significant concerns among most Americans. The survey highlights the prevailing apprehension regarding the potential risks associated with AI development.
According to the poll, over two-thirds of Americans were worried about the adverse impacts of AI. Additionally, a substantial 61% of respondents believed that AI had the potential to pose a threat to civilization itself.
As AI continues to evolve and permeate various aspects of society, concerns about its impact on humanity are growing. While AI holds immense potential for positive advancements and innovation, there is a recognition that it also carries inherent risks. Understanding and addressing these concerns will be crucial as we navigate the path toward a responsible and sustainable integration of AI in our lives.
The poll's results shed light on the urgent need for comprehensive discussions, ethical frameworks, and responsible development practices to ensure that AI technology benefits humanity while minimizing potential risks. By proactively addressing these concerns, we can work towards harnessing the full potential of AI in a way that aligns with our shared values and prioritizes the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
Source: Reuters
Tom Hanks Seeks Immortality?
Tom Hanks, a.k.a Forrest Gump, envisions a posthumous acting legacy through AI. He sparked off speculation about the continuation of his career even after his passing when he spoke of the possibility of his image being recreated using AI, allowing him to be a part of future movies "from now until kingdom come."
While acknowledging the potential of this concept, Hanks acknowledged the artistic and legal hurdles that were likely to come with such developments.
The idea of digitally resurrecting an actor's likeness raises profound questions about the boundaries between art, technology, and ethics.
As AI technology continues to advance, discussions around its artistic application, legal considerations, and ethical implications become paramount. Balancing the desire for creative expression with respect for an individual's legacy and rights is an ongoing dialogue that the entertainment industry and society at large must navigate.
Source: BBC
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