The AI Revolution: 9 Low-Skill Jobs in Australia That Are at Risk of Disappearing

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming industries worldwide, and Australia is no exception. While these technologies promise increased efficiency and reduced costs, they also pose significant risks to low-skill jobs. As AI continues to evolve, many roles traditionally held by humans are at risk of disappearing. In this article, we explore 9 low-skill jobs in Australia that are particularly vulnerable to disruption due to AI and automation technologies.

1. Retail Cashiers

Retail cashiers, once essential for handling customer transactions, are increasingly being replaced by AI-driven self-checkout systems and automated payment kiosks. These technologies have become a staple in supermarkets, department stores, and even fast-food outlets, allowing customers to scan and pay for their items independently. This shift not only reduces wait times but also cuts down on labour costs for businesses.

According to a report by KPMG, the retail industry in Australia employs over 1.3 million people, making it one of the largest employment sectors in the country. This broad workforce encompasses a wide range of roles, including many low-skill positions such as cashiers. However, these jobs are increasingly at risk due to the rapid adoption of AI technologies. Self-service kiosks, for example, are becoming more prevalent, allowing businesses to streamline operations and reduce labour costs. As this trend continues, the demand for human cashiers and similar roles is expected to decline.

Technology Impacting Cashiers:

• Self-Service Kiosks: Widely implemented across various retail sectors, these kiosks streamline the checkout process and reduce the need for cashiers.
• AI-Powered Inventory Management: Advanced systems predict demand and manage stock levels, further reducing the need for human intervention in retail operations.

2. Manufacturing and Warehouse Workers

The roles of manufacturing and warehouse workers are undergoing significant transformation due to automation. AI-powered robots and automated systems are taking over tasks such as sorting, packing, assembly, and quality control. These technologies operate with remarkable precision and speed, often outperforming human workers and leading to reduced demand for manual labor.

Industry estimates suggest that automation in manufacturing could lead to a reduction in demand for human labor by up to 20% by 2030, as companies increasingly adopt AI-driven technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. In Australia, where the manufacturing sector employs over 800,000 people, and the logistics sector employs many more, this could result in significant job losses, particularly in low-skill roles.

Technology Impacting Manufacturing and Warehouse Workers:

• Autonomous Robots: Deployed in warehouses and factories, these robots handle tasks such as picking, packing, assembly, and transporting goods, reducing the need for human workers.
• AI-Powered Quality Control Systems: These systems inspect products for defects with greater accuracy than humans, decreasing the need for manual quality control.

3. Data Entry Clerks

Data entry, a job once considered essential in various industries, is increasingly being automated. The repetitive and structured nature of data entry tasks makes them particularly vulnerable to AI. AI-powered software can now input, sort, and analyze data far more accurately and quickly than human workers, leading to a decline in demand for data entry clerks.

As companies continue to digitize their operations, the reliance on manual data entry is diminishing. A report by McKinsey & Company estimates that by 2030, nearly 69% of data processing tasks could be automated. This trend is evident across sectors like finance, healthcare, and logistics, where large volumes of data are processed daily.

Technology Impacting Data Entry Clerks:

• AI-Based Data Processing: AI algorithms can process vast amounts of data in seconds, eliminating the need for manual data entry.
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR): OCR technology enables machines to read and digitize text from scanned documents, reducing the need for human intervention.

4. Customer Service and Sales Representatives

Roles in customer service and sales, such as telemarketers and call center operators, are increasingly being automated by AI technologies. AI-powered chatbots, interactive voice response (IVR) systems, and automated calling systems are becoming more sophisticated, capable of engaging with customers, answering questions, and even closing sales without human intervention.

The shift towards AI in customer service is driven by the need for businesses to improve efficiency and reduce costs. According to a report, the global AI market is expected to reach $15.7 trillion by 2030, with a significant portion of that growth driven by the adoption of AI in customer service and sales. As these technologies continue to evolve, the role of human customer service representatives is likely to diminish.

Technology Impacting Customer Service and Sales Representatives:

• AI Chatbots: Automated systems increasingly used for customer service and sales, handling tasks traditionally managed by humans.
• IVR Systems and Robocalling: These technologies manage customer calls and deliver pre-recorded messages, reducing the need for human operators.

5. Receptionists

Receptionists, who often serve as the first point of contact in businesses, are increasingly being replaced by AI-powered virtual assistants and automated check-in systems. These technologies can manage appointments, answer queries, and handle customer interactions efficiently, often with minimal human involvement.

The trend towards automation in receptionist roles is particularly evident in industries like hospitality and healthcare. As businesses look for ways to streamline operations and reduce overheads, the adoption of AI in these areas is expected to grow. The Australian hospitality industry, which employs a significant number of receptionists, could see a decline in these roles as automated systems become more prevalent.

Technology Impacting Receptionists:

• AI Virtual Assistants: Systems like Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa are being adapted for use in business settings, taking over tasks traditionally performed by receptionists.
• Automated Check-In Kiosks: Common in hotels and healthcare facilities, these kiosks allow customers to check in and manage appointments without human interaction.

6. Fast Food Workers

Automation is rapidly transforming the fast food industry. From order taking to food preparation and cooking, AI-driven robots and kiosks are increasingly handling tasks that were once performed by human workers. This shift is driven by the need for fast food chains to improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and meet the growing demand for quick service.

In Australia, the fast food industry is a significant employer, particularly for young and low-skill workers. As automation technologies continue to be adopted across the sector, this could lead to a notable reduction in employment. With the industry’s reliance on these roles, the potential impact of automation on jobs could be substantial in the coming years.

Technology Impacting Fast Food Workers:

• Automated Ordering Kiosks: These kiosks allow customers to place orders and make payments without interacting with a cashier, streamlining the ordering process.
• Robotic Kitchen Equipment: Robots like Flippy, developed by Miso Robotics, can cook food with precision and consistency, reducing the need for human cooks.

7. Logistics and Delivery Workers

The logistics and delivery industry is experiencing significant disruption with the rise of autonomous vehicles and drones. These technologies are increasingly being used to deliver goods, particularly in urban areas where traffic and logistical challenges can be minimized. The potential for fully autonomous delivery systems to replace human drivers and postal workers is substantial.

Industry projections suggest that by 2030, autonomous vehicles could play a significant role in the delivery services sector. In Australia, where the transport and logistics industry employs over 600,000 people, the adoption of these technologies could lead to substantial changes in the workforce, potentially resulting in significant job losses in delivery and postal roles.

Technology Impacting Logistics and Delivery Workers:

• Autonomous Vehicles: Companies like Tesla and Waymo are developing self-driving cars that can deliver goods without a human driver.
• Drone Delivery: Companies like Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet, are testing drone delivery systems that can autonomously deliver packages to customers.

8. Ridesharing Drivers

Ridesharing, a sector that has provided flexible employment for thousands of Australians, is also at risk due to the rise of Full Self-Driving (FSD) technologies. Companies like Tesla and Waymo are at the forefront of developing autonomous vehicles that could soon eliminate the need for human ridesharing drivers altogether.

The adoption of FSD technology could have a significant impact on the ridesharing industry. A study by UBS estimates that the global ridesharing market could shrink by 50% by 2030 due to the introduction of autonomous vehicles. In Australia, where ridesharing has become an essential part of urban transportation, this could result in widespread job losses.

Technology Impacting Ridesharing Drivers:

• Full Self-Driving (FSD) Vehicles: Tesla’s FSD technology and Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are designed to navigate roads and transport passengers without human intervention.

9. Agricultural Workers

The agricultural sector, a vital part of Australia’s economy, is also experiencing significant changes due to AI and automation. AI-driven machinery and drones are increasingly being used for tasks such as planting, harvesting, and monitoring crop health. These technologies not only improve efficiency but also reduce the need for manual labor in farming.

A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights that automation in agriculture could lead to a 25% reduction in employment in the sector by 2030. In Australia, where agriculture employs over 325,000 people, the impact of AI could be particularly pronounced in rural areas.

Technology Impacting Agricultural Workers:

• Autonomous Tractors and Harvesters: These machines can plant and harvest crops without the need for human intervention.
• Drones: Drones equipped with AI are used to monitor crop health, apply pesticides, and manage large fields efficiently.

Conclusion

The AI revolution presents both opportunities and challenges for Australia. While the potential for increased efficiency and economic growth is significant, the risk of job displacement, particularly for low-skill roles, is real. As AI and automation technologies continue to advance, it will be crucial for Australia to invest in education, reskilling, and social safety nets to ensure a smooth transition for workers. By preparing now, Australia can navigate the AI revolution and create a future where both businesses and workers thrive.