Is AI replacing jobs in the warehousing and manufacturing industries?

Unless you’ve been living on a remote island somewhere for the past year, you know that artificial intelligence technology has been advancing by leaps and bounds. It is prevalent in almost every industry, from software to healthcare to education and beyond. It’s also starting to be widely used in the manufacturing, warehouse, and factory spaces. Is AI replacing jobs that you might be doing?

In this article, we’ll get into the threat of artificial intelligence and what it might mean for your job in the very near future. We’ll also give you strategies to future-proof your skills so you can get hired no matter how much artificial intelligence is used in your industry.

Is AI replacing jobs in warehouses, manufacturing plants, factories, and similar spaces?

Is AI replacing jobs? The short answer is yes. In a recent study, it was revealed that about 20 million manufacturing jobs are set to be replaced by artificial intelligence by 2030. Artificial intelligence technology can take over a number of different types of roles in this space, including:

• Stocking shelves
• Collecting items from shelves
• Picking and packing
• Quality control
• Machine maintenance
• …and more

This is just a small list compared to the many jobs that artificial intelligence can do in this industry. As time goes on, the jobs on this list will increase. While this can seem like a scary time to be working in this industry, it’s also important to remember that when one door closes, another door opens. You just have to look for the opportunities that artificial intelligence creates. AI will also create millions of new jobs in the manufacturing, factory, and warehouse industries – so how can you make sure you get one of those jobs?

How to future-proof yourself to retain employment

For those hard workers that don’t want to be out of a job because of artificial intelligence, you may have to future-proof your skills. Don’t worry – you don’t need to become a robotics expert, but you do have to learn how to use artificial intelligence in the workplace. Consider these strategies to become indispensable at work.

Improve your basic computer skills

While you may not use a computer at work today, in the very near future many manufacturing and warehouse jobs will require basic computer skills at minimum. This means that you should start learning how to use basic computer applications that are common at your workplace. This may include specialty logistics software. You will also have to know how to navigate the internet and the basics of online security in the workplace.

Learn how to analyze data

Some jobs in the manufacturing and warehouse industry will evolve to include analyzing large amounts of data, such as for reports. If you want to future-proof your employment, it would be a good idea to learn how to use data analysis software and learn how to communicate insights from data to others.

Enhance your hands-on skills

With the introduction of more and more artificial intelligence in the manufacturing plant will also come more and more machines. If you’re someone who likes working with your hands, you can learn how to maintain and repair machinery which will be a highly required skill in the workplace of the future.

Keep a continuously learning mindset

It’s important to remember that the next 10 years will be full of change. The manufacturing, warehouse, and factory spaces will look quite different in a decade than they do now. Keep an open mind and remember that you may need to upskill and reskill yourself every few years to keep up with the advancing pace of technology. If you refuse to learn new skills, you may be out of a job in the next few years.

Think of artificial intelligence as a helper, not a competitor

In the end, you have to change your mindset about AI. While there are certain things that AI can do better than humans, there are also things that it will never be able to take over because it is not human. Think of artificial intelligence as another tool you use at work, not as a competitor that is trying to get you kicked out of work.

Harness your human skills

Personalized interactions, for example, is one of those things that artificial intelligence cannot do as well as a human – no matter how good the algorithm is. Remember that you have many strengths over this type of technology, and use them to your advantage at work. Build solid relationships with your co-workers, managers, and business owners so you can network if you need to look for a new job.

Get in touch with Noble Human Resources Solutions for all your job search needs

2024 can feel like a scary time to look for work in the manufacturing, warehouse, and factory space. However, you don’t have to do it alone. Noble Human Resources Solutions is a staffing agency that specializes in this space, connecting qualified candidates with employers in the Mississauga, Brampton, Peel, and GTA regions.

Whether you’re just starting out in this industry or have been working in it for decades, we can help you find a good job that is a reliable source of income. While artificial intelligence will surely change the landscape for workers in the years to come, Noble will be at the forefront by working with employers in this industry who are looking for part-time, full-time, permanent, and temporary employees.

Connect with us today by filling out the Job Seeker Form. We’ll get in touch with you right away so we can discuss your skills and experience. You can also see some of the opportunities we have available on our job board.



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