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Discussions about AI have largely focused on its impact on white-collar and knowledge-worker jobs. But a new World Economic Forum paper shows how its influence extends far beyond office roles. It explores how four technologies—AI, robotics, energy tech, and network and sensing technologies—will reshape seven job families that make up 80% of global employment: agriculture, manufacturing, construction, retail and wholesale trade, transport and logistics, business and management, and healthcare. The scale of opportunity, disruption, and workforce challenges varies widely across these sectors, reinforcing the need for tailored strategies. Agriculture—the world’s largest workforce, employing one-quarter of all workers—shows both promise and complexity. In South America, drones now transport harvested banana bunches from steep plantations, improving productivity and safety. Precision agriculture—powered by sensors, drones, and AI-driven analytics—enables real-time monitoring of soil, crops, and water use, reducing manual labor and creating roles such as drone operators, agritech technicians, and data analysts. In higher-income regions, autonomous tractors, robotic harvesters, and automated irrigation help address labor shortages. At the same time, most agricultural workers are smallholder farmers in low-income countries, where limited access to capital and digital infrastructure can constrain adoption. Without intentional efforts to expand access, technology could widen inequality and displace vulnerable workers. The paper provides many insights that inform workforce plans and technology investments.
