Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, reshaping industries and transforming daily life. Professor Rocky Scopelliti, a futurologist, joined Doug on Table Talk to discuss the latest AI advancements and how AI is changing our lives.

The Speed of AI Advancements

“The speed of change is accelerating,” says Rocky. “We’re seeing new interfaces and applications that will change how we live, work, and play.”

AI tools, like ChatGPT, help professionals streamline tasks. This growing reliance on AI is shaping everything from media to personal productivity. AI is most certainly changing our lives.

Are We Close to AI Consciousness?

One of the big questions about AI is whether it will become truly conscious. Professor Rocky explains that we still have a long way to go. “We need to understand what consciousness is—scientifically, philosophically, and technologically—before we can replicate it.”

Since experts don’t yet agree on a definition of consciousness, creating conscious AI remains a major challenge. “We need protections in place,” he warns. “We don’t want to find out by accident that we’ve developed consciousness-based AI.”

Understanding AI Agents

AI comes in different forms, known as AI agents. Rocky outlines four types:

  • Reactive Agents – Follow predefined rules without learning from past experiences.
  • Deliberative Agents – Plan actions based on an internal model of the world.
  • Learning Agents – Improve performance using machine learning techniques, like self-driving car AI.
  • Multi-Agent Systems – Networks of AIs that collaborate to solve complex problems.

These agents are already impacting industries, from chatbots to fraud detection.

Industries Most Affected by AI

“Every industry will be impacted by AI in some way,” Rocky states. Key sectors include:

  • Finance – AI-driven trading, fraud detection, and investment advisory services.
  • Healthcare – AI assisting in diagnostics, patient monitoring, and personalized treatments.
  • Gaming – AI-powered environments and personalized gaming experiences.
  • Education – AI is reshaping learning, much like how calculators changed mathematics education.

The Future of Jobs

With AI automating many tasks, people worry about job security. But Rocky offers reassurance. “AI won’t replace humans, it will work alongside us. Analysts predict AI will automate 40% of workplace tasks by 2035, but it will also create 97 million new roles by 2025.”

Australia, for example, already faces a shortage of 200,000 skilled workers in tech fields, including cybersecurity and renewable energy. “The demand for AI-related skills is huge,” he says. “We need to prepare for these new opportunities.”

Preparing for an AI-Driven Future

To stay relevant in the AI era, individuals and businesses must adapt:

  • Students – Gain AI literacy to prepare for emerging careers.
  • Professionals – Master AI tools to improve productivity.
  • Businesses – Implement AI-driven workflows for efficiency.
  • Entrepreneurs – Build AI-first companies that leverage automation.

“The key is to stay proactive in learning and developing new skills,” Rocky advises.

AI in Daily Life

AI already influences everyday experiences, from Netflix recommendations to Spotify playlists. “Entertainment is one of the most exciting areas,” says Professor Rocky. “AI can now create entire movies and personalise content in ways we’ve never seen before.”

As AI continues to evolve, it will shape everything from how we work to how we play. The key is embracing its potential while ensuring ethical and responsible development.

Check out the full conversation below.