OpenAI’s Figure 01 Signals the Beginning of Jobs Lost to AI

If you’ve seen me speak at marketing events, you’ve likely heard me say, “AI won’t take your job. Someone who knows how to use AI will.” I stand by this statement when it comes to marketing, public relations, and advertising because applying AI to these areas requires human direction, planning, and oversight. However, there will be some jobs lost to AI.

We are already seeing driverless cars taking over transport. For a couple of years now, companies have employed various robotics to aid in building and construction.

The next logical application is in the supply chain/warehousing and hospitality industries. NVIDIA has already launched various inventory management systems, but that is just the beginning. If you don’t believe me, just take a look at OpenAI’s latest robot, Figure 01.

OpenAI’s Figure 01 Conversation with Task Completion

OpenAI introduced an intelligent robot that can complete a myriad of tasks, including logical reasoning (what to do with the plates on the counter). Figure 01, as the robot is called, could surely be deployed across warehousing to pull, prep, and pack products for shipments and/or handle tasks like dishwashing and stocking shelves.

In the above video, Figure 01 was also able to discern between edible (and apple) and non-edible objects (trash and plates) on the table and hand the apple to the “hungry” human in front of it. This clearly translates to restaurant work where Figure 01 could potentially work as a server/cashier or cook.

It’s also interesting how Figure 01 was able to complete tasks while continuing a conversation. In fact, the conversation felt incredibly human, complete with subtle “uhs” and “ums” that make it feel more natural. This behavior immediately made me think of these AI robots taking a customer’s order or checking someone in to a hotel.

Somatic’s Autonomous Robot Handles Housekeeping Tasks

Of course, OpenAI isn’t the only player in this game. Somatic’s autonomous robot can handle custodial duties like cleaning bathrooms and has been doing so for a couple of year now. We can assume that Housekeeping jobs could be lost to robots in the near future as well.

Robots Are Not Deactivating With Repetitive Work

Last year, a video circulated showing Agility Robotics’ robot, Digit, pulling boxes and placing them on a conveyor belt in a warehousing scenario. After pulling a few boxes, Digit falls down.

Some people claimed the robot deactivated itself after deciding it didn’t want to continue with repetitive tasks. Of course, this false assumption quickly spread online.

However, the company claims Digit did not deactivate. Instead, the robot simply fell. Agility said with any new technology, there will be some initial stumbles and people should be cautious about applying human emotion to these robots.

The Future of Work with Robots

All of this points to a future where artificial intelligence takes on many of the jobs previously reserved for human workers. And, most of these jobs are positions that don’t require higher education, which could potentially wreak havoc on lower and middle income employment.

In fact, AI is expected to replace 85 million jobs worldwide by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum’s “The Future of Jobs Report 2020.”

Now, it isn’t all doom and gloom. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, there will be many jobs created by artificial intelligence. In fact, here is a list of just a few of the new jobs that will emerge because of AI. And, that’s just what I can envision today.

The same report from the World Economic Forum goes on to say that AI will also create 97 million new jobs in that same timeframe (by 2025). So, there may be some retraining required for some workers to meet the demands of these new employment opportunities.

Automation Could Lead to Shorter Work Days

Some think increased productivity and efficiency create by AI might even shorten the work week. As someone who has endured burnout more than once in my career, I welcome the opportunity to have more time to unplug and focus on other aspects of my life.

An, I’m not alone in liking this idea. The organization 4 Day Week Global, a UK-based nonprofit, indicates on its website that 85% of U.S. adults approve of a move to a four-day week.

The business community and its shareholders may approve as well once they see the increased productivity from a shortened workweek. The nonprofit shared the first results from its pilot program in which companies reported employee productivity either stayed the same or improved because of the four-day work week. Of the participants, 34% said productivity had slightly improved, while 15% said productivity had improved significantly. 

So, a four-day work week spurred on by AI seems good in theory but it could lead to its own set of issues. For example: how will pay and benefits be affected? And who reaps the bulk of monetary rewards? Those remain unanswered questions.

As we look to the future, it’s important to acknowledge that AI and automation may lead to job losses across various sectors, including warehouse and fulfillment, hospitality, and customer service.

However, innovation and progress have always been accompanied by both challenges and opportunities. While some jobs may become obsolete, new roles and industries will emerge, just as they have throughout history. It’s crucial to focus on reskilling and upskilling workers to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.

By embracing a mindset of continuous learning, we can harness the potential of AI to create a more efficient, productive, and ultimately prosperous future for all. The path forward may not be easy. But with the right approach, we can navigate this transformative period and emerge stronger and prepared to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

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