AI for Breakfast

Post 38 - Areas of employment that could function without AI, for instance, would a plumber need AI to do his job?

I had this thought this morning and decided to see what my custom GPT would make of it, my GPT asks me if I have a title or if I'd like it to generate 3 options for me, my prompt was as follows:

How about "Areas of employment that could function without AI, for instance would a Plumber need AI to do his job?" I'd like you to give me the pros and cons of using AI or not in these more manual roles as opposed to a knowledge worker?

I think the content provides some useful insights. If you’d like to have a chat about implementing your own custom AI Chatbot please feel free to get in touch and we can discuss further.

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be making its way into every aspect of our lives, it's worth considering which areas of employment truly benefit from its integration and which could function just as well without it. The distinction between manual roles, like that of a plumber, and knowledge-based roles provides a fascinating lens through which to examine this question. Let's delve into the pros and cons of using AI in more manual roles compared to knowledge workers.

Pros of AI in manual roles

• Increased Efficiency: AI can help streamline scheduling, customer service, and inventory management, allowing tradespeople to focus on the job at hand rather than administrative tasks.
• Enhanced Precision and Safety: For tasks requiring precise measurements or those involving risk, AI and related technologies can offer solutions that minimize human error and enhance safety.
• Predictive Maintenance: AI can analyze patterns to predict when equipment or systems are likely to fail, allowing for preventative maintenance that can save time and money.

Cons of AI in manual roles

• High Implementation Costs: The initial investment in AI technology can be prohibitive for small businesses or individual tradespeople.
• Reduced Human Judgment: While AI can provide data-driven insights, it cannot replace the nuanced judgment and experience of a skilled professional, particularly in complex or unusual situations.
• Potential for Job Displacement: There's a concern that increased automation could lead to reduced demand for manual labor, although this is more nuanced in fields that require a high degree of craftsmanship or physical dexterity.

AI in knowledge worker roles: A comparison

Knowledge workers, such as analysts, designers, and software engineers, might benefit more overtly from AI through automation of repetitive tasks, data analysis, and even complex problem-solving, leading to increased productivity and innovation. However, the integration of AI into these roles also raises concerns about data privacy, the over-reliance on technology, and the potential for diminishing critical thinking skills.

Would a Plumber need AI?

To answer the question directly: A plumber might not need AI to perform the essential functions of their job. However, integrating AI could provide significant benefits in terms of operational efficiency, customer engagement, and even expanding services through innovative solutions. The decision to integrate AI should be weighed against the costs, the nature of the work, and the specific needs of the business and its customers.

In conclusion

While AI offers considerable advantages across various sectors, its value in manual versus knowledge-based roles depends on multiple factors, including the nature of the work, cost considerations, and the potential for enhancing safety and efficiency. As we navigate this technological landscape, it's crucial to balance innovation with the invaluable human skills and judgment that define much of our work.

• AI can streamline administrative tasks in manual roles, improving efficiency and allowing professionals like plumbers to focus on their core work.

• It offers enhanced precision and safety for tasks that require exact measurements or are risk-prone, and predictive maintenance capabilities can prevent failures before they happen.

• However, the high cost of implementing AI and the risk of over-reliance on technology at the expense of human judgment are significant cons.

• In knowledge worker roles, AI's benefits are more pronounced in automating repetitive tasks and analyzing data, but concerns about data privacy and the erosion of critical thinking skills remain.



• For manual trades such as plumbing, while AI is not essential for the execution of their primary duties, its integration can offer substantial operational benefits.

• The decision to use AI should consider the specific needs of the business, the nature of the work, and the balance between technological advantages and the preservation of skilled human craftsmanship.