ChatGPT is currently the subject of much reporting and very controversial discussion. Among other things, the debate centers on whether the use of artificial intelligence could also destroy jobs. Logistics is another well-known research area for the application of AI, particularly the autonomous driving of vehicles. Will we soon no longer need truck drivers?
The possibilities of AI in logistics
This is certainly one possible scenario. However, considering this aspect also from the perspective of the skilled labor shortage, which will be exacerbated by demographic change in the coming years, the use of AI also presents an opportunity in logistics to maintain the flow of goods, avoid congestion, and thus ensure sustainable and smooth logistics . Since this technology is still not fully mature in this area, it will be some time before the profession of truck driver becomes obsolete.
Artificial intelligence isn't as far removed from the average consumer as one might think. Anyone who uses a smartphone and has activated facial recognition or a voice assistant, for example, is already actively using artificial intelligence. Cars that can independently detect and park in a suitable space are also more common than you'd imagine. Vacuum cleaners that clean the apartment while the owners are away are increasingly found in homes. The list of existing applications of AI could go on. So, should we demonize AI and portray it as bad? No! This technology has seemingly entered many areas of daily life unnoticed and is used as a matter of course, making our lives easier and giving us more time for the things that truly interest us.
Artificial intelligence is already making inroads in the professional world, whether in automotive manufacturing or accounting. Repetitive tasks that can be tedious and time-consuming can already be easily handled independently by intelligent programs.
As modern logistics providers, we are already working intensively on integrating artificial intelligence into our processes. We are currently testing whether AI can independently recognize orders we receive as PDFs or emails and correctly enter them into our dispatching system. This will free up our dispatchers to keep senders and recipients up to date and provide even better service than before. We are not concerned about job losses as a result, because the dispatcher remains invaluable as a check on the AI. Furthermore, we place great importance on personal contact with our customers, loading points, and, of course, the recipients we deliver to. A computer or program simply cannot provide that.
What concerns do we have regarding AI in logistics?
Of course, artificial intelligence also has its downsides. If it is or becomes incorrectly programmed, it can certainly cause considerable damage. Furthermore, it cannot yet be completely ruled out that AI can be manipulated externally. Hollywood films have already constructed enough terrifying scenarios to warrant further detailed description. Examples include the "Terminator" films, the "Matrix" series, and others. Ethical and data protection considerations must therefore not be ignored. For instance, an AI should not be allowed to independently decide who or what poses a threat.
Aside from a horror scenario where, for example, an autonomously driving truck could be misused to injure innocent people because there are no longer any truck drivers behind the wheel to intervene, or where the use of AI means that computers take over the world, change does n't necessarily always have to mean the worst!
When it came to using computers, similar concerns arose. A PC could never achieve what a human could. It would make mistakes and incur far too high costs. Furthermore, it was also argued that it would cost numerous jobs and lead to a dramatic increase in unemployment. Fluctuating unemployment figures are nothing unusual, and the use of computers has changed the job descriptions of many professions, and some jobs have even disappeared. The days when a boss summoned his secretary to his office to take dictation, and she then transcribed it with a shorthand pad and pencil, are long gone, but the profession of secretary still exists, even if it is now called "office management assistant.".
Conclusion
The use of artificial intelligence will undoubtedly change the world of work. New job profiles will emerge, and future generations will not understand why we had so many concerns about it today.
We believe that careful consideration should be given to how AI is used, and one must definitely be aware of the responsibility involved in when and where it is deployed. Likewise, there should always be a higher authority to ensure that no misusecanoccur.
Note: For the sake of readability, we have refrained from using the simultaneous forms of masculine, feminine, and diverse (m/f/d). All personal designations apply equally to all genders.
