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2019 Annual Conference

October 8–11, 2019

St. Louis, MO

Smart Cities: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Automation on the Workforce

Friday, October 11, 2019 at 8:00 AM–8:45 AM CDT
Grand DE
Select the FIRST area in which your presentation best fits.

Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and Professional Development

Presentation Format Requested

Roundtable (45 minutes)

Session Abstract

This session sheds light on smart cities, the digital revolution, and possible impacts on human well-being. As artificial intelligence is used to make faster and more reliable decisions in all sectors, we reduce our reliance on our mental capacities, the human attribute that has historically differentiated us from mere animals.

Target Audience

The target audience includes adult educators, workforce development staff, and those interested in the philosophy and history of adult education. Those with an interest in understanding more about the digital revolution and how smart cities will impact urban environments and urban dwellers are encouraged to attend. This session should also appeal to Generation Z and X participants, who can learn more about the ways in which jobs and lives will be shaped by technology in the future.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to explain to others the concept of a smart city and how Internet of Things devices and sensors, as well as artificial intelligence and big data, are used to innovate new services in smart cities to support the growing urban populations worldwide. Participants will learn how smart cities, through the use of automation and artificial intelligence, may impact the workplace and the future of how humans work.

Session Description

Across the globe, populations continue to shift to urban areas in search of opportunity and access to improved services. It is expected that over two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban settings by 2050. This coincides with the 4thindustrial revolution – the digital revolution – and cities (and citizens) will need to embrace digital technology and automation to support the significant population growth. In particular, there are many digital trends related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things devices and sensors, and service automation that come into play in ‘smart cities.’ This session explores the concept of a ‘smart city’ and discusses the very human impacts that the drive for automation with AI may mean for displaced workers. We find purpose and personal satisfaction, and build new skills and relationships, through our work. It is important that we anticipate human needs with our smart cities’ automation initiatives. While the tech industry giants advocate Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a solution to job displacement due to automation, is that a lifestyle decision that we want industry to make for people? How do we guide adult learning to avoid digital feudalism, where data is used to control people?

Format & Technique

I will make a brief introduction of the concept of smart cities then have roundtable participation (flipchart) in identifying services that are currently being automated as part of smart cities initiatives. The Smart Columbus (Ohio) Project will be used for reference. We will creatively brainstorm (flipchart) automation and services we might anticipate in the future. Then we discuss how existing employment categories may be impacted and the type of job skills future workers will need to be gainfully engaged in the smart city labor pool. What does ‘smart city education’ look like for workforce development in the coming years?

Primary Presenter

Rebecca Lee Hammons, Ball State University
Work Title

Associate Professor

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