Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking the world by storm. It has quickly found its way into classrooms and workplaces. Despite some initial hurdles to overcome—researchers agree that AI is here to stay.
AI is impacting many of Northeast Florida’s key industries. Having the knowledge and skills to use AI opens an array of career opportunities for you in the region. Companies are looking for employees who can utilize AI and keep up with the ever-changing technology landscape. By using AI, you are able to make your job more efficient, cut waste and find better solutions.
The Importance of AI
AI has been around for a long time (since the 1950s). The tool has evolved from “traditional” AI—analyzing data to complete specific tasks—to “generative” AI, meaning that the tool can take something in context, summarize it and output new content. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is one of the most popular generative AI chatboxes.
The recent surge in the use of ChatGPT and similar AI chatboxes by the general public has catapulted the workspace into the future. The future we live in is not a sci-fi dystopia, where robots run the world. In fact, AI will not take over the majority of jobs. Rather, AI is a tool that should be leveraged to help people in the workforce become more effective at their jobs.
Digital literacy, including the use of generative AI, is highlighted as a key employability skill. It’s important that you learn how to harness the power of AI to your advantage to make you an attractive job candidate and valuable employee. AI allows you to do more, be more, achieve more and create more value for your organization.
Impact of AI in Key Industries
AI is changing the way business works—from individual use to company-wide decision making. Key industries right here in Northeast Florida are using AI to their benefit. Learn about some examples of how AI is impacting companies in the region’s key industries.
TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS
The Transportation & Logistics industry uses AI to increase efficiency, simplify processes and identify areas of improvement. The supply chain has lots of moving parts, from shipping to warehousing to delivery. AI is posed to connect fragmented supply chains and minimize disruptions in services.
Certain AI models are programmed to create the most efficient delivery routes. Improved routing through AI has allowed companies like Uber Freight to maximize the amount of available space in their vehicles and reduce empty miles. This is a win-win, as it makes shipping more efficient and reduces carbon emissions.
Locally, JAXPORT has utilized AI to analyze loads of data and deep-dive into research topics. They also have used AI in their marketing, including using AI language translation for a campaign in Europe, which featured 50 customized ads.
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
The Advanced Manufacturing industry is being transformed by AI, as factory work becomes more automated. AI has made production and assembly processes more efficient and has reduced errors.
Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer whose most efficient brewery is located in Jacksonville, has used machine learning to improve beer quality and production. The company collaborated with Google Cloud and Pluto7 to optimize their beer filtration process, which led to a 60% increase in barrelage. Anheuser-Busch InBev also crafted the world’s first AI-designed beer, letting AI create the recipe, name and marketing tools for “Beck’s Autonomous.”
LIFE SCIENCES
AI has improved the daily work obligations of the region’s Life Sciences industry workers. From streamlining the data collection process to sorting health records, AI mitigates day-to-day paperwork and allows medical professionals to have more face-to-face time with patients.
Mayo Clinic employees are benefiting from time-saving AI. Mayo Clinic uses an AI listening tool that transcribes and summarizes patient conversations, reducing the time staff spend at computers reading records and reporting updates. The Mayo Clinic patient portal has another tool that generates an automated response message that staff can easily customize for the patient.
GuideWell launched an in-house AI chat tool that helps with translations, information retrieval, content generation and programming. Around 75% of GuideWell’s staff have utilized the chat tool, and worker productivity has increased by 14%. The company also established a Generative AI Academy to train their staff on how to properly use the tool. GuideWell recognizes the importance of ethical AI use and human review of AI outputs in order to reduce biases and error.
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
If you are excited by the creation and management of AI, you may be a great fit for the Technology Services career pathway. Organizations in Technology Services are leading the way in artificial intelligence. The programs and tools they provide are advancing their own business goals and helping companies in other industries do the same.
ICE is an international company which recently announced Jacksonville as the new national headquarters of mortgage technology. Their developments in AI are pushing the mortgage technology sector forward, creating new solutions for financing housing. For example, their AI programs prevent bias in the property valuation process by limiting human involvement and preference. This allows lenders and investors to more accurately assess the value of a property and ensures a fair price for all parties involved.
Time is one of the most important resources you have. Artificial intelligence can help you maximize your time—whether that’s by driving a better delivery route or alleviating tedious tasks. AI is an important part of the modern workplace, so it’s vital for workers to be equipped with the knowledge to use AI.
AI is playing a role in each of the region’s main career pathways. As industries evolve through the use of AI, Earn Up is here to connect you with resources and information about each of the region’s key industries.
