Technology Executive Highlights AI’s Role in Boosting Blue-Collar Productivity, Not Job Reductions
Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar corrects critics who say artificial intelligence will create massive unemployment, lauding his company for allowing companies to hire ‘more’ on ‘The Bottom Line.’
Palantir Chief Technology Officer Shyam Sankar recently addressed concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on employment during an interview with FOX Business. Contrary to the predictions made by Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., that AI could lead to mass unemployment, Sankar argued that AI is actually driving a productivity boom in blue-collar sectors. He emphasized that AI is not just enhancing the work of software developers but is also significantly benefiting front-line workers, including ICU nurses and factory technicians.
Sankar’s comments came shortly after Sanders called for a slowdown in AI development, expressing fears about potential job losses in a video posted on X. In his statement, Sanders raised concerns about how individuals would survive without income if AI and robotics were to eliminate millions of jobs.
In response, Sankar highlighted the often-overlooked narrative that AI is fostering a blue-collar revolution. He explained that ICU nurses can now dedicate more time to patient care rather than administrative tasks, and factory foremen can focus on production rather than labor scheduling due to the efficiencies brought by AI.
“We have a manufacturing customer that streamlined their production planning with AI, allowing them to add a third shift,” Sankar noted. “Without that labor utilization being at a certain rate, it wasn’t profitable to hire more American workers. With it, more jobs are created.”
Another example he provided was Panasonic Energy, a company based in Reno, Nevada, that manufactures electric vehicle batteries. Traditionally, becoming a skilled battery technician required a three-year apprenticeship. However, with the integration of AI, Panasonic has been able to train former casino workers in just three months.
PALANTIR CEO TOUTS ELON MUSK’S DOGE, ABILITY TO HOLD ‘SACRED COWS OF THE DEEP STATE’ ACCOUNTABLE
A woman walks under Palantir sign at its stand ahead of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos May 22, 2022. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Sankar believes AI will dramatically change how companies like Panasonic Energy hire, train, and deploy new talent. He criticized the narrative coming from Silicon Valley that AI could lead to mass unemployment, stating, “It’s not what you see at the front lines. What you see is an opportunity for American greatness.”
PALANTIR, STAGWELL PARTNER ON MARKETING PLATFORM WITH AI-POWERED SOLUTIONS
A computer screen displays an image of artificial intelligence. (iStock / iStock)
With AI becoming more accessible, it has the potential to spark an explosion of new businesses. Individuals can now turn their ideas into reality with the help of AI technology. However, this raises questions about the future of higher education. Sankar believes that colleges will need to adapt to these new demands. At Palantir, they have initiated a meritocracy fellowship for high school seniors, providing them with technical skills on the job while also offering a well-rounded education through weekend classes with professors.
Sankar’s perspective on the need for educational reform ties into a broader critique of the U.S. AI strategy. He argued that while significant investments are being made in data centers, there is a lack of focus on creating real economic value from AI technologies. “We need to invest more in the AI demand side,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of driving economic prosperity for the average American worker.
Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar corrects critics who say artificial intelligence will create massive unemployment, lauding his company for allowing companies to hire ‘more’ on ‘The Bottom Line.’
Palantir Chief Technology Officer Shyam Sankar recently addressed concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on employment during an interview with FOX Business. Contrary to the predictions made by Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., that AI could lead to mass unemployment, Sankar argued that AI is actually driving a productivity boom in blue-collar sectors. He emphasized that AI is not just enhancing the work of software developers but is also significantly benefiting front-line workers, including ICU nurses and factory technicians.
Sankar’s comments came shortly after Sanders called for a slowdown in AI development, expressing fears about potential job losses in a video posted on X. In his statement, Sanders raised concerns about how individuals would survive without income if AI and robotics were to eliminate millions of jobs.
In response, Sankar highlighted the often-overlooked narrative that AI is fostering a blue-collar revolution. He explained that ICU nurses can now dedicate more time to patient care rather than administrative tasks, and factory foremen can focus on production rather than labor scheduling due to the efficiencies brought by AI.
“We have a manufacturing customer that streamlined their production planning with AI, allowing them to add a third shift,” Sankar noted. “Without that labor utilization being at a certain rate, it wasn’t profitable to hire more American workers. With it, more jobs are created.”
Another example he provided was Panasonic Energy, a company based in Reno, Nevada, that manufactures electric vehicle batteries. Traditionally, becoming a skilled battery technician required a three-year apprenticeship. However, with the integration of AI, Panasonic has been able to train former casino workers in just three months.
PALANTIR CEO TOUTS ELON MUSK’S DOGE, ABILITY TO HOLD ‘SACRED COWS OF THE DEEP STATE’ ACCOUNTABLE
A woman walks under Palantir sign at its stand ahead of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos May 22, 2022. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Sankar believes AI will dramatically change how companies like Panasonic Energy hire, train, and deploy new talent. He criticized the narrative coming from Silicon Valley that AI could lead to mass unemployment, stating, “It’s not what you see at the front lines. What you see is an opportunity for American greatness.”
PALANTIR, STAGWELL PARTNER ON MARKETING PLATFORM WITH AI-POWERED SOLUTIONS
A computer screen displays an image of artificial intelligence. (iStock / iStock)
With AI becoming more accessible, it has the potential to spark an explosion of new businesses. Individuals can now turn their ideas into reality with the help of AI technology. However, this raises questions about the future of higher education. Sankar believes that colleges will need to adapt to these new demands. At Palantir, they have initiated a meritocracy fellowship for high school seniors, providing them with technical skills on the job while also offering a well-rounded education through weekend classes with professors.
Sankar’s perspective on the need for educational reform ties into a broader critique of the U.S. AI strategy. He argued that while significant investments are being made in data centers, there is a lack of focus on creating real economic value from AI technologies. “We need to invest more in the AI demand side,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of driving economic prosperity for the average American worker.
