A.I. Doesn't Have to Be the Death Knell for U.S. Jobs
*By Britt Terrell*
The rise of artificial intelligence and new automation will inevitably lead to the loss of some jobs across different industries, but it may also create entirely new careers for American workers.
What jobs disappear, and how fast they'll be replaced, may depend on how traditional industries and new technology companies cooperate, and how the government can help foster those partnerships, said Politico's technology reporter, Steven Overly.
“When the internet was created, I think a lot of folks also speculated it would replace a number of jobs and it has in some ways, but it has also created new jobs," Overly said Thursday in an interview with Cheddar. "It’s opened up new industries and so there are a lot of folks who are optimistic that with A.I., it will follow a similar path."
Many of the most optimistic folks from Google, Amazon, Facebook, and other tech firms discussed how A.I. technology may affect American workers at a White House summit Thursday.
Some blue-collar workers, such as truck drivers, are expected to be replaced by autonomous vehicles. The administration and representatives from the tech industry are considering new programs to train American workers on how to [use A.I. technology](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2018/05/08/white-house-will-host-amazon-facebook-ford-and-other-major-companies-for-summit-on-ai/) in new ways for new jobs.
"Certainly the administration has conveyed that they now view artificial intelligence as a national priority," said Overly. "And certainly there are many in the industry who say if the U.S. doesn’t take a stronger stance on this, we’re going to fall behind China, India and the E.U.”
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/white-house-hosts-a-i-summit).
February is usually a key time of year for the toy industry, with thousands of toys making their debut at the New York Toy Fair. Although this year's event was canceled due to the ongoing pandemic, toy makers are still pumped up to unveil their newest gizmos and gadgets. Maddie Michalik, senior editor of The Toy Insider, joins Cheddar News to break down all things toy related.
Smart data capture company Scandit recently announced a $150 million Series D funding round led by Warburg Pincus, propelling the company to unicorn status with a valuation of more than $1 billion. Scandit develops augmented reality and mobile computer vision technologies that tap into the cameras on smart devices. The startup's platform can be used to interact with retail items and have a more personalized experience while shopping. Scandit says its technology is also being used by industries like transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing. Samuel Mueller, co-founder and CEO of Scandit, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
A new report shows nearly 240 former officials in Congress, the White House, and regulatory agencies have changed careers to work in the crypto industry.
February 20 marks what would have been Kurt Cobain’s 55th birthday, and NFT gateway Pop Legendz will be offering up a collection of rare images from a 1991 Nirvana show in Philadelphia that took places days before their monster hit album "Nevermind" was to be released. Faith West, the founder of Pop Legendz, music journalist, and the photographer who captured it on film joined Cheddar News to talk about the historic event and the NFT sales where half the proceeds will go to charities like the Trevor Project and GRID Alternatives. “I showed up at a small club, 150 people, not quite know what to expect, brought my camera, and halfway through the show I knew music history was being made," West said of the iconic evening.
Arkansas corporations, private investors and the government are coming together in the hopes to make the state a global leader in the future of transportation. Governor Asa Hutchinson joined Cheddar News to relay the council's plans. "I created the Council on Future Mobility to look at expanding drone delivery, to be able to utilize autonomous or driverless vehicles in delivery, and then also to be able to look at the future and whether you can have driverless or flying cars that can be imagined," he said. Hutchinson also stated that the council will take the safety measures needed before bringing along potentially unsafe tech.
Ford is reportedly considering separating its Electric Vehicle business from its other operations, in hopes of it becoming even more valuable as the company shifts toward electric vehicles. Dan Ives, Managing Director of Equity Research, Wedbush Securities joined Cheddar's 'Opening Bell' to discuss where the company stands in the race toward electrification.
Hertz is teaming up with UFODRIVE, a self service electric vehicle rental company, as part of its commitment to lead the future of mobility. Based in Europe, UFODRIVE is the first all-digital all-electric car rental service controlled from an app. Jayesh Patel, senior VP of corporate strategy at Hertz, joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss the partnership and how it will propel the transition to electric vehicles.
Equip is a virtual treatment platform for eating disorders, and recently raised $58 million in a Series B round led by The Chernin Group. The company aims to revolutionize treatment for eating disorders by delivering virtual care teams and clinical expertise directly to families' homes. Equip says the need for its platform has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Eating Disorder Association's helpline has had a 107% increase in contacts since the start of the pandemic. Kristina Saffran, CEO and co-founder of Equip, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
