KPMG develops autonomous AI, raising job loss concerns

KPMG is creating a new type of artificial intelligence called agentic AI. This AI is designed to work independently in areas like audit, tax, and advisory roles. The development of this technology has sparked concerns about job security, as it could replace human workers in these fields. David Rowlands, KPMG's global head of AI, said the company is working with technology partners to build a smart AI workforce. Unlike older automation tools, agentic AI can think, decide, and act on its own. KPMG aims to create AI that is not only efficient but also emotionally intelligent, allowing it to understand and respond to client needs better. Agentic AI differs from regular AI because it does not require constant human input. It can make decisions and handle complex tasks by itself. Early examples of this technology include self-driving cars and AI-powered virtual assistants. Other firms, like PwC, are also developing similar AI systems to improve their operations. As agentic AI becomes more advanced, there are growing fears about its impact on jobs. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, mentioned that AI could soon match the skills of mid-level software engineers, potentially changing the tech job market. Additionally, IBM's CEO, Arvind Krishna, predicted that around 30% of Human Resources jobs might be taken over by AI within the next five years. While AI can offer speed and accuracy, its rise prompts serious worries about job loss. Companies such as KPMG, PwC, Meta, and IBM are exploring AI's potential, which may require the workforce to adapt to new realities in the future.