You hear about it in the news. Intelligent Automation is affecting many professions: lawyers, doctors, fast food workers, artists, musicians, factory workers, economists. These professions, among others, are being automated right now. AI robots are slowly moving into ever facet of human life. Many people are right to be concerned as corporate training lags behind the speed of change. There are some challenges that exist but they will be overcome. (FYI: This article is a good primer on AI history for those interested.
There are many changes coming so here are 3 ways to get you started now:
- Use free or paid apps & websites to become an AI robot master.
- Try maker spaces, Fab Labs and starter kits to build AI robots you control.
- Get a degree that allows you to work among the AI robots undetected.
1. USE THE WEB TO BECOME AN AI OVERLORD
If you aren't sure where to start try the free options available online first. You can test the different sites when you sign up for free. The following 2 links should be enough to get you started:
50 places to find free college courses
Free college courses on YouTube
Some of the sites & apps I have used & recommend:
Some skills to learn now:
Computer programming. There will be very few high paying jobs for most of us that don't include coding of some type.
Negotiations & marketing. Working with different kinds of people will become more frequent as technology progresses.
Artificial Intelligence. Even if you don't plan on being an AI expert learning how intelligent automation works is essential.
Data Science and Machine Learning. If you are analytical in your approach to work this may be for you.
Robotics. Learning how they operate will provide ideas for how they can enhance our lives.
Three Dimensional concepts. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is important in engineering, gaming & mixed reality industries.
Cryptocurrencies. An understanding of digital currencies, blockchain & how they are reshaping economics.
Cyber Security training is essential! You should understand how data is compromised & how to secure personal & corporate data.
For those with children or previously uninterested in math & science try starting with some simpler options & progressing from there:
(Scratch is a great way to learn programming concepts.)
(Take Khan Academy classes to take to improve STEM skills.)
2. DIY CLASSES & KITS FOR AI ROBOT DOMINATION
Once you find online courses that fit get hands on experience by taking classes & buying kits you can use at home:
You can search for a Fab Lab or hackerspace near you. These are places you can work on projects alone or with others.
To start learning about IOT, wearables & industrial automation concepts buy a RaspberryPi Kit.
Do you want to build a custom Roomba vacuum robot or robotic hair extensions (seriously!)? Buy an Arduino Kit.
Try a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) kit
Test a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) kit
There are learning kits for many science related industries. You can get learning kits from larger companies as well. If you'd like to add a useful educational kit to the list or are unable to find a kit that fits your needsThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
3. GET A CERTIFICATE OR DEGREE TO DEFEND AGAINST THE UNKNOWN
(WARNING: This is an option where the risk can be very high depending on the field you enter. Student loan debt (in the USA) cannot be absolved in bankruptcy except in extreme circumstances (LINK). If you are going to spend the money on a traditional degree but cannot pay it off within a few years of graduation proceed with caution. You never know when an entire industry will be upended & replaced by something new. Your degree might end up useless very quickly.)
If you prefer a traditional experience to online learning & home experimentation here is a suggestion for starting out.
Research the industry you plan on joining after graduation. Is it going to exist in 10-20 years from now or not? How can you determine what industries will exist decades from now? You cannot be 100% certain but some ideas for building a career that lasts are:
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Language Processing = 7 skills needed for mastering machine learning
Robotics, Mechatronics, Photonics, etc. = 10 skills for the aspiring roboticist
Electrical systems maintenance & design = 10 skills for the electrical engineer in training
Automation engineering in industrial settings = Required skills for entering Industry 4.0
Autonomous systems (starting with automobiles) = See this nanodegree for an example
Space exploration = A LOT of options here...
Virtual & augmented learning systems = A nice mixture of technical & creative opportunities to consider
Manufacturing requires precise measurement = Metrology is certainly something worth considering as a career
Various industries = Healthcare will always be needed & trade skills demand looks strong, etc.
For those with degrees unable to find work in their native fields there may be options in industries you haven't considered. For example, if you want to practice law, you could look into robot-human interactions or outer space mining rights or cryptocurrencies or a new classification entirely. If you are looking for an idea on how to use your degree outside the norm contact me. I love a good challenge!
Summary
So there are 3 ways to avoid being replaced by AI robots. Education is a topic I will discuss at length with Dat Splat Show guests & write about regularly. If you have suggestions or specific questions about anything in this article or would like to add a useful site to the lists above send me a note.
