This isn't the first time new technologies have threatened to disrupt the job market.
Historically, tech advancements have taken and transformed physical tasks, such as those performed on assembly lines and factory floors. But artificial intelligence (AI), with its ability to mimic human intelligence, will target a different segment of the American workforce: tech work and white-collar jobs.
At global hiring company Howdy.com, we're already witnessing AI impact the tech workplace in profound ways. Over 1 in 3 Howdy.com software developers say they use AI "all the time", a recent internal survey found. Howdy.com also commissioned a survey of U.S. tech workers, which further confirmed the trend, finding that 1 in 4 tech workers frequently implement AI tools to help with everything from basic coding to debugging. Over 3 in 5 tech workers believe it will take less than 5 years for the tech industry to fully embrace AI, showing confidence that we’re in the midst of a technological sea change.
But the tech world isn't the only industry slated to be revolutionized by AI. 76% of tech workers predict that AI will be adopted across industries within the next decade, according to our national survey.
The good news is the widespread adoption of AI isn’t all about job losses. Quite the contrary — many industries stand to see significant job growth, increased productivity, improved accuracy, and accelerated innovation with the rise of AI. Ahead, we explore what businesses might AI impact over the next decade, along with 14 use case examples of AI adoption by industry:
Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the industries affected by AI the most, driving rapid pharmaceutical advancements and vastly improving the quality of care. One of the most valuable applications of artificial intelligence adoption in the medical field is computer vision capabilities: AI algorithms can analyze medical images — such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and mammograms — to detect tumors and cancerous growths earlier and with greater precision than human doctors, helping save lives. And because AI is better than humans at handling large amounts of data, AI tools can analyze a patient's medical history, genetic information, and lifestyle data to develop ultra-personalized treatment plans.
Finance
AI is a natural addition to the data-rich world of finance. The technology's ability to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns means AI can spot and prevent fraud and assess risk effectively. At the same time, AI's superior ability to process customer data and behavior can help banking and finance professionals deliver more tailored financial advice and product recommendations to their clients.
Retail
Among industries that use AI, retail is posed to have a near-immediate effect on consumers. Artificial intelligence is bringing exciting innovations to e-commerce and brick-and-mortar stores alike. Advanced AI algorithms can help retailers offer highly personalized product recommendations and specialized shopping experiences based on customer data and behavior. In brick-and-mortar stores, AI-powered computer vision systems can facilitate frictionless checkout, improve inventory management, and boost loss prevention efforts.
On the supply chain side of things, AI can analyze shopper buying patterns and alert retailers when the top seller stock is low. AI-powered platforms can also deliver insights into the temporal patterns of customer demand, helping retailers understand which customers want what products, and where and when they want them.
Manufacturing
AI advancements are pivotal in shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution — also known as Industry 4.0 or 4IR — a new era in the digitization of the manufacturing industry. Traditional factories getting a makeover with collaborative robots and autonomous systems that work alongside humans. In these "smart factories", AI-powered maintenance systems can analyze sensor data from machinery to forecast potential breakdowns. Meanwhile, machine learning algorithms can process data from cameras and sensors to detect defects and anomalies in real time.
Logistics
With the rapid rise of AI, the logistics industry is set to witness substantial, previously unheard-of efficiencies. The tech has been gaining traction in the sector due to its ability to optimize supply chain management, which allows for real-time tracking and predictive analytics. AI can also help with route optimization thanks to its ability to use sophisticated algorithms to analyze delivery points, traffic patterns, and fuel consumption.
Energy & utilities
AI promises to reshape the way we produce, transmit, and consume energy. AI-driven tech can analyze large datasets — such as weather patterns and energy consumption trends — to improve energy production forecasts. This can reduce unplanned downtime, enhance grid stability, and lower energy costs for consumers through dynamic pricing models. Depending on AI industry trends, there is also a risk of AI processing power straining grids as more and more firms see the potential of adopting AI in their industry– maintaining servers is already posing a risk to grids today. .
Education
The education industry stands at the brink of a tech revolution — one where AI doesn't just automate processes but makes teaching more personalized and impactful. While teachers might initially be suspicious of a student who uses AI to write papers, learning to integrate AI’s potential into pedagogical method might create a much more customized educational experience for America’s schools. AI-driven platforms can adapt content to meet the specific needs of students, allowing for ultra-tailored instruction. In addition, AI can automate administrative tasks like grading and classroom management, freeing up teachers to focus on interactive and creative teaching.
Agriculture
One of the world's oldest professions, agriculture may seem like an unlikely candidate for AI adoption. But AI systems have the potential to streamline operations and eliminate many of the challenges associated with traditional farming. AI-driven tools arm farmers with real-time insights into crop health, soil conditions, and pest activity, empowering them to make data-driven decisions for irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide use. AI can also help agriculture professionals monitor environmental factors, predict weather patterns, and optimize resource usage.
Entertainment
It’s still early days for AI-created media, but it’s clear that the tech is set to transform the entertainment industry. Generative AI can optimize production workflows by automating tasks like video editing and creating special effects. AI-driven tools have the potential to enhance distribution strategies by analyzing audience data, helping creators tailor content for specific demographics.
Personalization is a major facet of AI’s impact on the entertainment industry. Music and streaming recommendation systems can deliver ultra-tailored user experiences by suggesting content based on preferences.
Legal services
ChatGPT-4 notoriously aced the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), exceeding the average score of real-life bar exam takers to score in the 90th percentile. With this proven ability to comprehend and analyze legal information at a high level, generative AI can help legal professionals by reducing time spent on routine, repetitive tasks. AI tools can automate routine tasks like legal research, contract analysis, and document review, freeing lawyers to focus on strategic casework and higher-level decision-making.
Hospitality & tourism
The hospitality and tourism industry is experiencing a wave of innovation thanks to AI. The new technology is fundamentally reinventing the sector, changing how hospitality businesses interact with guests, optimizing customer experiences, and streamlining operations. AI can customize recommendations for travelers, suggesting destinations, activities, and amenities. The tech can also enhance operational efficiency by streamlining tasks like booking, check-in, and customer support.
Hiring & HR
As a global hiring company, Howdy.com has witnessed firsthand how AI can be used to supercharge the recruitment process. The technology excels at connecting companies with qualified candidates quickly. AI tools can scan resumes for relevant keywords, match candidates to job descriptions, and even assess soft skills through AI-powered assessments. Beyond hiring, AI enhances talent management by predicting employee retention risks, optimizing workforce scheduling, and personalizing employee development plans.
Government
Real estate development
AI has the potential to overhaul nearly all aspects of the real estate industry, from land acquisition and design to construction management and property marketing. AI tools can help real estate professionals optimize site selection, automate property valuations, and uncover valuable insights for market analysis. In addition, AI-powered algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to predict market trends and identify investment opportunities.
Conclusion
The full potential of AI — including the range of its rapidly expanding capabilities and how these capabilities will be assimilated into specific sectors — remains to be seen. One thing is certain: AI will forever change the way we work as systems become more sophisticated and businesses adopt these technologies to stay competitive, industries will distinguish themselves by how quickly they adapt.
