The research examines the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labour market, with a special focus on the mechanical engineering and commercial sectors in Hungary, highlighting the opportunities offered by AI, the emerging challenges and the necessary adaptation strategies. AI is the ability of machines to perform tasks that require human intellect, such as sensing, learning, and problem-solving.
The study is based on a questionnaire survey, interviews, and a review of the literature. Its main conclusion is that in the mechanical engineering industry, AI is revolutionizing changes from design to manufacturing and maintenance (e.g., generative design, predictive maintenance, robotics, quality control, smart manufacturing, supply chain optimization). AI and automation are bringing about significant changes in the commercial sector. AI solutions focus on data management, personalization, automation of repetitive tasks, support for non-routine tasks, robotization (e.g. Ikea warehouse), self-driving vehicles and contactless stores (e.g. Auchan Go, Coop smart store).
According to in-depth interviews, the country is in a phase of “heightened expectations”, but the concepts of digitization, automation and AI often blur. According to Hungarian experience, AI has expanded jobs rather than eliminated them, but at the same time, the majority of Hungarians continue to fear that they will lose their jobs because of AI. However, AI will not bring about mass job losses, but a fundamental transformation of them, with an emphasis on human-machine cooperation. Lifelong learning, flexibility, and the acquisition of analytical and social “soft skills” are essential. The successful implementation of AI requires strategic, senior management commitment at both national and corporate level. In Hungary, the reform of the education system and targeted adult education are key to managing labour market tensions and maintaining global competitiveness.
Documents: Helping organisations prepare employees for AI in Romania and Hungary (pdf)
