With the rapid advancements in the world of artificial intelligence (AI), many people predict that in the coming years, many jobs will be replaced with AI tools. But, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy thinks that the fear of AI taking away jobs is overblown. In an interaction with Moneycontrol, the billionaire businessman said that no technological advancement will be above the need for human intelligence. He said, “The most powerful instrument ever invented by God is the human mind.” He went on to give the example of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools that were introduced in 1975. The CASE tools were believed to reduce the manpower in software development, but it did not happen.
Murthy recalled, “Everybody said this (CASE tools) finishes the job opportunity for all youngsters in software development. It didn’t happen. When that technology of case tools and program generators got invented, human beings said we want to attack bigger problems, more complex problems and those tools couldn’t handle them.” He predicted that advancements in AI technologies are inevitable and will become a part of our lives, but humans have to see AI as “assistive technologies” and not as a complete replacement for human labour.
Murthy said, “I think that concern about losing jobs should be replaced by the discussion, debate, and thinking on how we use AI, generative AI, large language models, and all of these to make human beings even more productive.”
The veteran tech giant said that AI technology should replace human jobs in areas like “operating machines in hazardous situations like nuclear reactors”. He was also optimistic about how AI technology can offer breakthrough solutions such as its use in “remote surgery and precision equipment”.
This is not the first time that Murthy has expressed an optimistic opinion about the adoption of AI technology. Back in February, he attended the 67th Foundation Day of the All India Management Association. During the event, he mentioned the book Bridgital Nation: Solving Technology’s People Problem, written by N Chandrasekaran, the Chairperson of the Tata group and said that people should learn about N Chandrasekaran’s perspective of utilising AI for the betterment of humankind.
He said that AI tools will leave a lot of free time for people, but since humans are naturally curious they will use this free time to think of more inventions. He recalled how in the past many thought computers would take over all important tasks and make people idle but that did not happen.
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