AI to cause big shifts in employment

Artificial intelligence will give a net boost to employment in China, free humans from some tedious tasks, and bring about significant changes in traditional sectors such as finance, healthcare, transportation and education, according to industry insiders and business leaders.

AI and related technologies, such as robots, drones and autonomous vehicles, could create around 90 million additional jobs over the next two decades, according to a report released by accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers during the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2018, or Summer Davos Forum in Tianjin.

Around 26 percent of existing jobs in China could be automated over the next two decades, but this is projected to be more than offset by job creation of 38 percent, giving an estimated net gain of 12 percent.