The A.I. Hit List: Which Jobs Will Automation Replace?

In 2017, the BBC reported that by 2030, “800 million global workers will lose their jobs” to robot automation. Another study found that in the United States, 47 percent of current jobs are highly likely to be replaced by automation.

Yikes.

While not all of these job will be fully replaced by automation, there are certain aspects and tasks that AI will be better equipped to handle. As we race towards the future, what are some of those professions that will be affected by AI?

1. Lawyers

Let’s be clear, not all law jobs are at risk of complete automation. There’s still a need for human lawyers in many areas of the legal industry. However, given the high costs of legal services, many are anxious for solutions that provide quicker turnaround times and fewer attorneys.

Developments in A.I. and machine learning have created programs that can perform tasks like legal discovery and contract creation. Current tools already can locate non-standard terms and clauses, administer compliance standards, and even handle divorce proceedings.

Note to current law students, how are your computer science skills?

2. Financial Analysts

Have you ever heard that monkeys randomly picking stocks are just as successful with their picks as seasoned financial professionals? That’s not fair to many gifted financial experts, but it does give some insight into the randomness, and complexity, of financial markets.

CNN reports that within the next decade, 30 percent of banking sector jobs will be lost to technology. It’s not hard to see why. When billions of dollars are on the line, many are not comfortable with the risks often associated with human error. Programs and software limit error thanks to the processing power of machines that spot patterns and make trades at a fraction of the time (and cost) of human analysts.

3. Manufacturing and Manual Labor

There was a time when cars were assembled all by hand all across the United States. Now, that type of work is ancient history. Today, all kinds of manufacturing jobs are almost entirely handled by robots.

Companies like Tesla are pushing for 100 percent, non-human automated factories. And it isn’t just manufacturing. Even the construction industry is at risk.

With deadlines and workplace hazards always an issue, it’s no surprise organizations would love the advantage of having a machine that can work nonstop in a physically demanding role. Not to mention, job sites would be safer and workplace lawsuits a lot less common.

4. Drivers

Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past few years, you’ve no doubt heard of the great advancements in driverless cars. New companies like Tesla, and even traditional manufacturers like Ford, have been hard at work finding ways to make cars drive themselves.

Driverless vehicles will change the way we commute. That means jobs driving taxis and public transportation may be at risk.

5. Service Industry Professionals

Back in 2013, a labor union-backed cause was calling for a starting wage of $15 an hour. Not long after, fast food chains like McDonald’s and retailers like Wal-Mart announced nationwide roll-outs of touchscreen, self-service kiosks. With mobile technology, customers can even pre-order burgers and groceries before they arrive.

As programs get even better with natural language and voice commands, businesses will continue to implement them in customer-facing situations to help keep costs low and improve overall efficiency.