AI's here to help us, not replace us, says Sussex AI expert
It comes as fresh research finds some workplaces could see up 70% percent of tasks completed by AI
A Sussex University AI expert is reassuring AI is there to help, rather than replace, us - as it's revealed some jobs could see 70% of day-to-day tasks completed by the technology.
Experts from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) analysed 22,000 common tasks performed at computer-based jobs and found those involving organisation, strategy and analysis were most likely to be impacted by AI.
It said that jobs in project management, marketing and administrative support are most likely to be affected - following fears that a worst case scenario could see 8 million jobs in the UK at risk.
But the Head of Sussex University's AI research group Thomas Nowotny reassured that "full replacement" is unlikely:
"I personally think at least how AI is presenting itself at the moment, it's mainly something that will make life easier for people within their jobs rather than replacing them outright.
"For example, for a personal assistant, it can help with organising diaries, organising meetings, liaising with clients, doing these kind of things.
"I can't believe that anyone would want to give that fully to an AI programme."
He continued that we can look back at technological developments in history for reassurance:
"Whenever there was automation in the factory, it wasn't that the factory went fully automatic.
"It typically was that people were upskilled to run the machines.
"So if you look at using AI to make jobs better, you can see that if you need to summarise a lot of text, or you need to come up with a new idea in advertising, you can use these tools."
In recent weeks, ChatGPT maker OpenAI has also launched its first AI tools which can be programmed to carry out specific tasks by themselves, known as AI agents.
Since the report, the IPPR has called for greater government intervention on the issue, warning that AI policy is currently too focused on accelerating AI uptake and safety, and not on the "implications of powerful AI".
It follows plans laid out last month by Keir Starmer which aimed to make the UK a global leader in AI while also boosting the economy.