Artificial Intelligence (AI), one of the top ten IT & Technology Buzzwords in 2019, has become ubiquitous in today’s world with a more crystallized concept. Its image, to the public, is no longer only the self-driving car, robot, or other somewhat futuristic application. Instead it is often portraited as an essential work partner, from the Gmail Smart Compose to 24/7 security monitors. With perceived human-like characteristics such as the ability to undertake multiple tasks computationally based on its increasing scale of data, AI is powering efficiency and is likely to outperform humans at various workplace in the near future.
AI has, and will continue to disrupt many traditional careers. According to a report by the global consultancy firm McKinsey & Company, by the year 2030 automation and AI could force around 33 percent of the US’s projected 166 million workforce to change jobs. How will this future impact the museum sector? This report investigates the pathways for AI in the workforce and where we might begin seeing it emerging in the museum sector.