Artificial intelligence—the great job maker or taker?

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is enabling chemists to rapidly identify novel compounds and substantially improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes. Developers of chemistry-related AI systems argue that their technologies will unleash a wave of new compounds that will require chemists to evaluate and test them. Their theory is that AI will augment—rather than replace—chemists. But another school of thought says that traditional chemists will become less useful, especially when AI is paired with robotics, and that most new roles will be accessible to only the AI literate. Pessimists think jobs at chemical companies, where pressure to reduce costs is highest, will be the first to go. The machines are coming. Electrons and silicon are being combined with increasing sophistication to replace human cognitive work. Artificial intelligence—loosely defined as computer systems performing tasks that historically required at least human intelligence—is starting to change society, including the world of chemistry. Most developers of AI