Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a double-edged sword poised to revolutionize the American workforce. Along with the promise of heightened efficiency and reduced costs, AI can reduce the number of accidents that result from human error. Yet, as this innovation intersects with the well-entrenched framework of capitalism, the future for the American workforce seems uncertain. The marriage between AI and capitalism offers a lot of promise, but also raises thought-provoking questions about how these forces may interact and shape the future of the American and global labor landscape. Will capitalism embrace AI as a tool for prosperity, or will it pave the way for its spoiling, diminishing the potential it holds for the American workforce?
Throughout the history of mankind, different inventions have come along to make life easier for us to live and spend our time on Earth. Inventions like the wheel, the cotton gin and the internet in the late 20th century have shaped the world and have influenced economies and even how we may spend leisure time. Artificial intelligence has recently become the focus of headlines in both humorous and ominous ways as it has experienced rapid growth in the last five years alone.

Artificial intelligence is going to continue to shape the world in many ways. From things like taking inventory to data computation and – more unbelievable to some – autonomous freight delivery, artificial intelligence offers high-quality service without costly human error. It is possible for corporations to get around regulations with AI because there are no time constraints, required breaks and inevitable mistakes. All these things are attractive to a company that is trying to decrease overhead while widening their profit margins. The question that we are facing is: what is the desired role between labor and artificial intelligence? Is this technology growing at a pace quicker than the labor market can handle? And what will happen to the millions of displaced workers?

In the Frontline documentary, “In the Age of AI” the viewer is introduced to a family of independent truckers who talk about how the average income of a truck driver, adjusted for inflation, was $110,000 in the 1980s but has dropped to around $48,000 today. The company Embark is already operating driverless freight while making claims that their fuel efficiency has increased by 10% – a 300% increase in revenue per truck – and a 40% reduction in delivery time. And it is expected to expand in the coming years. Some possible reasons for those numbers include the elimination of human driver error and, because the vehicle is driverless, it does not need to adhere to mandated breaks or make a stop at the nearest Waffle House. An increase in AI truck drivers means that the super gas stations like Love’s Travel Stop will also take a hit as there will be fewer drivers to buy diesel and utilize the showers and gift shops.