In this blog you will learn:  

1. How we foresee AI impacting on people power in tech
2. New roles that AI is creating in software and IT 
3. Predictions for the impact on workloads 
4. Artificial intelligence future applications 
5. Sector-specific AI applications across real estate, manufacturing, logistics, ecommerce, and automotive

People power

As bespoke software developers, we’re fully aware of the benefits (and challenges) of AI in our day-to-day working roles, but we’re also seeing the impact of AI on people power and workplaces in our sector.

This is largely due to AI's ability to automate routine coding tasks, bug detection, and even some aspects of code generation, which, for some firms, may reduce the need for junior developers, leading to leaner teams with more focus on strategic, complex problem-solving tasks.

Additionally, the skill set required for more experienced developers is shifting, with a lesser need for large numbers of traditional coders and more individuals with specific skills in AI integration, data science, and system architecture. 

While developers need to collaborate closely with AI tools, leveraging them to accelerate workflows, human oversight and creativity is essential for critical thinking, innovation, and understanding user needs. AI will not replace software developers, but it will change their roles, requiring them to focus on higher-level responsibilities and fostering a more collaborative, interdisciplinary team structure.

AI is also driving more cross-functional teams, with developers freed up to work more closely with designers, product managers, and other stakeholders to drive product development from a broader perspective.

New roles in software

• The types of jobs we’re seeing emerge in the software sector include:
• AI/ML Engineers, who design and implement machine learning models
• Data Scientists, who analyse and interpret complex datasets. 
• AI Ethics Specialists focus on ensuring ethical uses of AI technologies
• AI Product Managers oversee the development and integration of AI features into software products
• AI Trainers refine machine learning algorithms through data labelling and training

Predicting workloads and team capacities

Software developer and team leader at Propel Tech, Ben Hopper, who is currently studying for a Master’s degree in AI, says:

“I think some of the data science principles behind AI could be used to evaluate developers and predict workloads and team capacities better. That could impact development teams by changing the way developers are measured. It would also allow a manager to better predict when they need to hire.

“Data science is a new topic which underpins AI tools. If you were putting a new team together, with the right data on technologies and developers’ skill sets, it would be possible to use AI to “decide” on the most optimum team members to put into a new project team.

“That could also be helpful when hiring a developer or contractor for a project. AI can check their skill set against your project requirements, and, with the right data, predict if they would impact timelines, either positively or negatively.”

How is AI impacting traditional roles and team structures in other industries?

Propel Tech, which partners with businesses across many industries, including manufacturing, logistics, real estate, ecommerce and automotive, to develop and maintain their bespoke software, has seen, first hand, how companies are adapting their recruitment and staffing processes to cope with the challenges and benefits of generative AI. 

David Ritchie, founder and director at Propel Tech, comments:

“There are a very few industries, if any, that aren’t being impacted by AI in some shape or form, and used correctly, it can transform productivity and processes.”

Manufacturing

Technology has been impacting manufacturing for many years, seeing output increasing, and jobs decreasing. And AI is only set to drive this trend.  

The obvious benefit of AI is enhanced automation, which has the power to further streamline production processes, enabling machines to handle repetitive tasks with precision and speed, reducing the need for manual labour in certain roles.

On the flip side of this, however, AI-powered robotics and smart systems are also facilitating greater collaboration between human workers and machines. Collaborative robots, known in the business as Cobots, are designed to work alongside employees, enhancing productivity without replacing jobs entirely. This shift requires staff to adapt, with a growing emphasis on digital skills and technical expertise, putting a burden on HR managers who must support the overall business in achieving a positive mindset to change. 

AI in manufacturing can also improve decision-making by providing real-time data analysis and predictive insights. Workers can respond faster to equipment failures or production issues, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency, and predictive maintenance, powered by AI, helps prevent breakdowns by identifying potential issues before they occur, improving the reliability of operations.

The new breed of AI-focused roles in manufacturing include:

• AI Systems Engineers who develop and implement AI-driven automation solutions
• Predictive Maintenance Analysts who use AI to anticipate equipment failures
• Robotics Technicians focus on programming and maintaining AI-powered robots
• Data Scientists analyse production data to optimise processes
• AI Integration Specialists manage the integration of AI technologies into existing manufacturing systems

Real estate

We recently published an in-depth article, putting the AI into reAI estate, about the wide ranging benefits of AI for industry insiders and customers alike. PropTech is one of the biggest IT growth areas, and an exciting time for the industry - but how is AI technology impacting real estate workers at a grassroots level? 

Property management teams can now use AI-powered tools for tasks like tenant screening, lease management, and maintenance scheduling. Once again, automation is key - leaving staff to focus on higher-value relationship-based and strategic activities when repetitive tasks aren’t taking up too much of their time.

AI is also changing how valuations are conducted by analysing vast amounts of data on market trends, property conditions, and local amenities to provide more accurate valuations and personalised property recommendations.

The possibilities are endless. AI-driven platforms create targeted advertising campaigns, reaching potential buyers or tenants more effectively and virtual tours and AI-powered chatbots provide instant information, improving customer engagement and freeing agents from routine queries.

When it comes to the real estate job market, AI is creating new job roles for:

• AI Data Analysts who interpret market trends and property data
• PropTech Specialists who integrate AI solutions into real estate platforms
• AI-Driven Marketing Experts focus on crafting targeted campaigns using AI insights
• AI-Based Valuation Analysts provide more accurate property valuations through machine learning models
• AI Customer Experience Managers work on enhancing client interactions with tools like chatbots and virtual assistants

Logistics

A 2023 report from Prologis found that only 7% of young adults would consider a job in logistics. Perhaps exciting new roles in AI could change this… 

AI-powered systems are making route planning, inventory management, and demand forecasting faster and easier. By analysing real-time data, these systems enable logistics teams to make quicker, smarter decisions, reducing delivery times, fuel costs, and resource wastage.

In warehousing, AI-driven robotics and automation handle repetitive tasks like sorting, packing, and shipping, allowing staff to focus on more complex roles, such as overseeing operations and solving unexpected issues. This improves accuracy and speeds up fulfilment, critical in today’s fast-paced market.

AI is also transforming fleet management. Predictive maintenance uses AI to analyse vehicle data and identify potential issues before they become costly breakdowns. This helps logistics teams manage their fleets more efficiently and reduce downtime.

It also enhances customer service through real-time tracking and automated updates, improving transparency for clients and reducing pressure on staff handling queries.

While AI is enabling logistics teams to operate with greater precision, speed, and flexibility, with automation taking over many routine tasks, real people remain vital for strategic oversight, problem-solving, and managing exceptions that require human judgement.

AI is creating new job roles in the logistics sector, including:

• AI Logistics Analysts who optimise supply chain processes using data insights
• Robotics Technicians who maintain and programme automated systems
• AI Fleet Managers oversee AI-driven vehicle routing and predictive maintenance
• Data Scientists focus on analysing logistics data to enhance efficiency
• AI Integration Specialists work on implementing and customising AI solutions within existing systems

Ecommerce

Customer service in ecommerce has seen huge changes in recent years, with AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants providing 24/7 support and resolving common queries instantly. In fact, these days it’s rare to find a human at the end of the phone or whatever messaging platform customers are using to resolve their issues. 

In ecommerce, AI is now used to develop marketing strategies by analysing customer behaviour and generating targeted campaigns. Personalised content and offers increase engagement and conversion rates. 

The technology can be used to optimise supply chains and logistics by predicting demand, automating stock replenishment, and improving delivery routes, reducing costs and enhancing fulfilment speed.

New AI-focussed roles in e commerce include: 

• AI Personalisation Specialists who tailor product recommendations and user experiences
• Chatbot Developers who design and maintain AI-driven customer service bots
• AI Analytics Experts focus on interpreting data to drive marketing strategies and optimise sales
• AI Integration Specialists work on incorporating AI technologies into ecommerce platforms
• Automated Fulfilment Coordinators manage AI-powered logistics and inventory systems

Automotive

Robots have long been associated with the automotive industry, so it should come as no surprise that AI-driven robots and automation is being relied upon to handle assembly, quality control, and parts sorting with greater precision and speed than human workers. 

It is also changing the ways vehicles are designed and tested, with engineers using AI simulations to test safety features, performance, and fuel efficiency, reducing the need for physical prototypes and speeding up development cycles. Teams can then make data-driven decisions, resulting in more innovative and reliable vehicles.

In maintenance and aftersales, AI-powered predictive maintenance systems analyse vehicle data to detect potential issues before they lead to breakdowns. AI is enhancing customer experiences through personalised services such as smart infotainment systems and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which use AI to improve safety and comfort.

AI is creating new job roles in the automotive sector, such as:

• AI Systems Engineers who develop and implement AI technologies for autonomous vehicles Data Analysts specialising in vehicle performance and user behaviour
• AI Safety Specialists focus on ensuring the reliability and safety of AI systems in cars
• Machine Learning Engineers design algorithms for features like driver assistance
• AI Integration Specialists work on embedding AI solutions into automotive systems. 

David Ritchie, founder and director at Propel Tech, concludes:

“We’re repeatedly hearing that AI isn’t going to replace people anytime soon, and I completely agree with this. However, companies must be prepared to embrace AI-powered solutions, and upskill and shape their teams accordingly to take advantage of all of the benefits it has to offer.

“True, it’s not going to replace humans, but it’s certainly shaking up the jobs landscape for many sectors that may have not experienced change like this for several decades - and if companies can capitalise on this change, it will mark an exciting time for recruitment, career opportunities, team structures and people development within their businesses.”