Last week, I participated in a podcast with Moses Ma from FutureLab. FutureLab is working on an intriguing project named Manhattan 2, reminiscent of the original Manhattan Project, but with a focus on benefitting humanity rather than creating weapons. The goal is to develop a human-centric approach to AI deployment, ensuring people lead productive lives instead of becoming homeless and unemployable, which is the troubling trajectory we’re currently on.
Another innovative company I encountered is Level Ex. They use video game technology, developed by programmers and subject matter experts, to rapidly train human employees for new jobs and tasks, potentially in hours rather than years. This approach could significantly improve human competitiveness against AI.
This week, let’s explore how we can create a better post-AI future. We’ll also highlight my Product of the Week, the impressive new iPad Pro, which stands out as the best tablet on the market.
The AI-Jobs Problem
Historically, every Industrial Revolution has raised concerns about job losses, which were eventually mitigated by the new technology creating more jobs. However, the current AI revolution is fundamentally different because it is not just automating processes but replacing individual people. An example is “Devin,” an AI employee available for purchase to fill actual jobs, eliminating the need to hire a human.
AI and robots are being developed to fill roles where there are shortages, such as long-haul drivers and fast-food restaurant staff. For instance, self-driving trucks are being introduced to address the shortage of long-haul drivers, and automated fast-food restaurants are being explored to replace human staff post-pandemic.
FutureLab’s Manhattan 2 Project
Manhattan 2 is a groundbreaking project aimed at ensuring future AI development and deployment enhances rather than displaces human employees. The project prioritizes a human-centric approach, focusing on upskilling people quickly to remain relevant in an AI-driven future. It outlines critical requirements for progress, including hands-on learning, creativity, practical application, peer coaching, and progress tracking.
The initiative also includes BrainstormBot, an AI-based tool designed to assist both startups and universities in the learning process. This approach emphasizes a blend of financial assistance and practical support to create more human-centric AI services.
Level Ex: Revolutionizing Training with Video Games
Level Ex offers a remarkable training program using video game technology. Originally developed for medical professionals, their games enable doctors to acquire specialties in just a few hours—skills that typically take years to master. This technology was created for NASA’s Mars mission, where real-time medical assistance from Earth would be impractical.
This innovative approach could be extended to train employees in AI skills, transforming months or years of training into hours. Employees learn through engaging, simulated environments, allowing them to practice and refine their skills without real-world consequences. This method not only makes learning enjoyable but also significantly enhances job readiness and competitiveness.
A Better Future
We face a potential crisis of massive unemployment coupled with a significant skills gap. The rate of technological change means that current educational paths may not adequately prepare individuals for future jobs. However, using FutureLab’s Manhattan 2 framework and Level Ex’s game-based training, we can create opportunities that mitigate employment risks and enhance human competitiveness with AI.
Retraining through engaging video games can transform the tedium of learning into a fun and relevant experience, making people more employable and adaptable. By prioritizing a better future and leveraging innovative tools, we can navigate the challenges posed by AI and create a more resilient workforce.
We can achieve a better future by making it a priority and utilizing tools like those from FutureLab and Level Ex to ensure that as technology advances, humanity advances with it.
