In a pioneering move for the city of Peterborough, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) hosted its inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) conference, igniting conversations among students, businesses, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts on the impact of AI on future employment prospects.
The conference, held at ARU’s Peterborough campus, showcased the latest advancements in AI technology, featuring discussions on tools that have permeated mainstream use, such as ChatGPT and Bing AI.
Attendees, including students like Kelly Jesus and Adam Wingell, expressed varied perspectives on AI’s role in shaping tomorrow’s workforce.
Nineteen-year-old Kelly Jesus, a law student hailing from Peterborough, highlighted the enduring significance of human connection in the workplace, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of personality in professions like law.
Reflecting on her own field of study, Jesus remarked, “As much as AI can perform tasks, it lacks the ability to empathize and connect with clients on a personal level, which remains paramount in fields like law.”
Adam Wingell, a 38-year-old computing student from Sleaford, Lincolnshire, voiced apprehension about the potential of AI to render certain professions obsolete.
While acknowledging AI’s potential to enhance research capabilities, Wingell expressed concerns about its long-term implications on job security, suggesting that it could potentially “phase out” human involvement in certain sectors.
The sentiments expressed by Jesus and Wingell underscore a broader sentiment of uncertainty surrounding the integration of AI into various industries.
Tom Williamson, assistant principal of ARU Peterborough, emphasized the importance of initiating conversations around AI, noting that while concerns about job displacement are valid, it is crucial to view AI as an opportunity for innovation rather than a threat to employment.
Acknowledging the need for greater understanding and support for businesses navigating the AI landscape, Al Kingsley, chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority business board, emphasized the summit’s role as a “starting point” for education and exploration.
Kingsley stressed the importance of empowering businesses to innovate and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.
The AI conference marks a significant milestone for Peterborough, signaling the city’s readiness to engage with emerging technologies and its commitment to fostering dialogue on their societal implications.
As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, initiatives like this conference serve as invaluable platforms for knowledge exchange and collective learning, ensuring that communities remain informed and prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
In the words of Mr. Williamson, “AI is here, it’s coming, and it’ll come at pace.” The journey toward harnessing the full potential of AI while safeguarding the interests of the workforce is just beginning, and Peterborough stands poised to lead the conversation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
