AI analyst says plumbers' and electricians' jobs are safe but AI models like GPT-4o 'will impact any job that has data'

AI Analyst Confirms Plumbers' and Electricians' Jobs Are Safe, but Warns AI Will Impact Any Data-Driven Job

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize the way we work. However, according to AI analyst Maribel Lopez, some jobs are safer from AI disruption than others. Specifically, plumbers and electricians can rest easy, while those in data-centric roles must prepare for significant changes.

 

We are on the verge of the fourth industrial revolution and data is the new oil, whoever process the data will be the next superpower.

 

The Emergence of GPT-4o and Multimodal AI Models

OpenAI’s latest innovation, GPT-4o, is a groundbreaking multimodal model capable of processing and generating text, audio, and images. This advanced AI technology marks a significant leap forward, promising to reshape numerous industries. In a series of demo videos released by OpenAI, GPT-4o’s enhanced vision and voice capabilities were showcased, drawing reactions ranging from amazement to skepticism.

 

Safe Haven for Manual Labor Jobs

Lopez, who leads Lopez Research, highlighted that manual labor jobs such as those of plumbers and electricians are not at immediate risk of being replaced by AI. While multimodal AI can assist these professionals by simplifying troubleshooting and problem-solving, the physical nature of their work ensures their indispensability. “For workers who fix specialized equipment, AI might be very helpful in troubleshooting or fixing problems,” Lopez said. “But it won’t replace them because they have to be there to do it.”

 

The Inevitable Impact on Data-Driven Jobs

Conversely, jobs heavily reliant on data are set to undergo substantial transformation. Lopez emphasized that AI models like GPT-4o will significantly affect industries such as supply chains and finance, where data handling is paramount. She predicts that 20% to 30% of tasks currently performed by computer workers could eventually be managed by AI. However, this doesn’t spell the end for these roles. Instead, it will necessitate a shift in job responsibilities and skillsets.

 

Adapting to the AI Revolution

Using paralegals as an example, Lopez explained that tasks such as document retrieval and summary writing—traditionally time-consuming for humans—can be executed swiftly by AI. This shift allows professionals to focus on more complex and nuanced tasks that AI cannot easily replicate. “The AI challenge is that it forces all of us to enhance our skillsets,” Lopez noted. “It will be a change for all of us.”

 

OpenAI’s Vision for GPT-4o

OpenAI’s vision for GPT-4o isn’t to create a dystopian future for computer workers. Instead, the company aims to augment human capabilities. Demonstrations showed GPT-4o functioning as a personal assistant, offering real-time code suggestions and concise text summaries, underscoring its potential to streamline workflows and increase productivity.

 

While the rise of multimodal AI models like GPT-4o heralds significant changes across various industries, not all jobs are equally vulnerable. Manual labor positions, particularly those requiring physical presence and expertise, remain secure. However, data-driven roles must brace for a shift, necessitating an evolution in skillsets to adapt to the new AI-enhanced landscape. As AI continues to develop, the challenge and opportunity lie in leveraging these advancements to enhance, rather than replace, human labor.