Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian: AI isn’t here to take jobs, it’s here to upgrade them

Google Cloud’s Thomas Kurian stresses AI as a productivity booster, not a replacement, helping employees focus on meaningful tasks while handling repetitive work.

AI may be reshaping workplaces, but Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian insists it is not here to replace employees, it’s here to enhance their roles. In an interview with Big Technology, Kurian described AI as a bridge, helping workers transition from what they do today to what they aspire to do tomorrow.

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Kurian cited Google’s Customer Engagement Suite, an AI-powered tool that assists companies in responding to routine customer queries. Contrary to initial fears, the system has not led to layoffs. Instead, customer service agents now spend more time on meaningful interactions while AI handles repetitive tasks, increasing productivity and job satisfaction.

His views echo Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who reported a 10% productivity boost among engineers using AI tools, prompting plans for more hiring. Kurian emphasizes that AI should amplify human talent, not replace it, and encourages using technology to upgrade jobs creatively and efficiently.

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Kurian, an immigrant from India and former Oracle executive, leads Google Cloud’s rapid growth while highlighting AI’s potential to transform work positively.