With AI tools like ChatGPT being ever more prevalent in the workplace, from factories to hospitals to offices, it’s natural to worry about AI eventually taking over our jobs. A recent report by Goldman Sachs calculated that approximately two-thirds of US jobs are “exposed to some degree of automation by AI.” While it’s true that certain individuals will be affected, particularly those with administrative or office jobs, the advent of AI brings with it new possibilities, opening up new areas for growth.
“We have a choice going forward,” writes David Rotman in the MIT Technology Review, “we can use technology to simply replace workers, or we can use it to expand their skills and capabilities, leading to economic growth and new jobs.”
Based on his advice, we may consider altering our sometimes fearful view of AI and its impact on our lives. Rather than curb opportunity, AI has the ability to open doors and pave the way towards new knowledge that may have seemed previously unattainable. This concept of AI as a helping hand, instead of a threat, is seen through Dr Angela Koech’s work in East Africa.
Dr Koech, a research scientist at the Aga Khan University’s Nairobi campus, has led research over the past couple of years on the development of AI ultrasound programmes, which have been implemented recently in a pilot project in Uganda. The aim is to determine an accurate delivery date for expectant mothers, without the help of specialists who may be difficult to access at crucial times.
In an article published by The Guardian, Dr Daniel Lukakamwa, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Kawempe National Referral Hospital in Kampala, explained that “the first trimester is very important, as far as abnormalities and maybe subsequent fevers is concerned, that lead to stillbirth.” In order to encourage more mothers to seek health services at this critical stage, researchers are developing an AI software that draws on a database of millions of images of fetuses in the womb. These serve as reference points from which to calculate fetal head measurements and determine the gestational age.
As the study progresses and the software is developed, more and more women have been able to attend consultations and stay informed of their pregnancies. Dr Lukakamwa marvels at the project’s success thus far: “has made pregnant mothers so interested in coming for ultrasound scans,” he said. Thanks to AI’s versatility and Dr Koech’s pioneering research at AKU, ultrasounds are now available for mothers in remote or rural locations. This development emphasises not just the growing involvement of AI in various fields, but also its ability to apply new knowledge for society’s benefit.
By keeping up with technological advances and making use of the tools that AI has to offer, communities in East Africa and elsewhere are making significant strides towards achieving a better quality of life. In this context, AI can play a crucial role in giving more people access to quality healthcare, highlighting its role as a helping hand.
For those who may feel uncertain about the rise of AI and its impact on their careers, it's natural to have concerns. In this ever-accelerating world, staying vigilant and embracing lifelong learning can help us navigate these changes with confidence. By continuously developing soft skills like resilience, creativity, and leadership—qualities that remain uniquely human—we can ensure that we continue to play a vital role in the evolving workplace.
As the digital age advances and new software takes root, the way we view these changes can often have a greater impact on our sense of security than the changes themselves. By harnessing the potential of AI to address local challenges and drive innovation, while advocating for its fair and ethical use at a global level, society can bridge gaps in knowledge and change lives for the better.
